Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK

Cat Health & Behaviour => Health & Behaviour General => Topic started by: Desley (booktigger) on June 21, 2007, 19:02:07 PM

Title: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on June 21, 2007, 19:02:07 PM
She was looking a bit on the thin side the other week, so I booked her in to be weighed at the same time as Lucy, it is 2 months since her last weigh in. She has lost 200g, which the vet is trying to convince me is nothing due to the time of the year - and ordinarily, I would be convinced, except for the fact she is constantly demanding food, I have to send her out of hte kitchen and shut the door when washing up cos she pesters so much, it doesn't matter how long it is since her last meal, and it isn't just one extra time a day she asks, it can be loads, I generally end up giving in at least once a day, so when the vet asked just how much a day she has, I couldnt say, but will start measuring the dry again so I have an idea. She was slightly gassy, so has had a Vit B jab, put on sensitivity food and I have to worm her later (should be fun, got scratched for putting her back in the carrier!!). She has already had full bloods done this year, and everything was perfect for a nearly 14 yo, even her thyroid. She is getting so much like Pebbles it is untrue - same leg that has issues, and we had constant weight battles with her too. I just hope it isn't something underlying again.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Christine (Blip) on June 21, 2007, 19:12:00 PM
Well, if your vet is not worried, that is reassuring.  I can only say that Blip loses weight every summer (or gains it every winter, depending on your point of view) and she is frequently asking for food too.  However, in her case I know when she is really hungry because she will resort to her dried - and she rarely ever does that!  Hope it is the same for Tiger.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on June 21, 2007, 19:16:41 PM
i dont have food down all the time cos of Lucy, but she gets generous amounts of dry (as the initial theory was that she would eat it and be full for the rest of the day, but that didn't work), and will eat it all and pester for more quite soon after. Fingers crossed the worming helps. She wasn't like this when she first came though, I can't pinpoint when it started though.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Millys Mum on June 23, 2007, 18:44:25 PM
Hows Tiger today Des?
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on June 23, 2007, 18:55:30 PM
Been a bit odd again today, very demanding for food, and sleeping upstairs a lot - am hoping the sleeping upstairs is just cos she is feeling more settled (she has been here since last August). Been a bit nasty with Lucy. Think I will schedule a visit in 2 months (unless of course she is looking even worse) and maybe repeat bloods then, it will be 6 months since the last lot.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Millys Mum on June 23, 2007, 19:21:18 PM
Mine are upstairs, the turn in the weather has sent them to warmer climates.
Fingers crossed she picks up soon  :)
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on June 23, 2007, 19:29:43 PM
That is promising then - I did put a blankie down in the bedroom for her cos I found her in here once, and she has enjoyed it, so maybe it is my fault she is doing it!!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on June 26, 2007, 08:05:16 AM
She seems to be really bothered by the fosters this week, all they have to do is walk past her (ignoring her and minding their own business) and she swipes at them (they are only out in the evening and over night, the girls have the house to theirselves all day), which could explain why she is sleeping in my bedroom, as they dont come in here (no idea why, I dont shut the door). On Sun night she was bothered by Shabba, and ended up jumping on the sofa with me, curling up on my tummy and stayed there for about an hour and a half, she only moved cos I wanted to go to bed, she would have stayed otherwise!! I might get her bloods re-done, as while she is a grumpy cat, this is more than normal, and she is still pestering for food quite a lot - I gave her some biscuits last night and went into the kitchen not even an hour later and she was miaowing for more.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on June 28, 2007, 07:54:54 AM
Poor baby has diarrhea again, so am going to pick up some more sensitivity food from the vets and see if she needs to be seen again. I haven't changed her food though, she is on Nature's menu and Bozita, the only thing I can think of is that I keep it on the kitchen windowsill so it might be a bit cold on her tummy. Just given her a very small amount of JWB for her brekkie until I can get to the vets. She is still really grouchy too, so am worried about her.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Christine (Blip) on June 28, 2007, 11:28:31 AM
Poor Tiger. It may well be something and nothing, but worth getting checked out again - I would.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: clarenmax on June 28, 2007, 11:36:58 AM
Aw poor Tiger.  Hope she's feeling better soon  :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on June 29, 2007, 07:27:17 AM
Thanks guys - she is at the vets Mon evening, and on sensitivity food until then. Vet doesn't think it is related to the food being cold. Fingers crossed it is nothing - yet again, she has an illness similar to Pebbles.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 01, 2007, 17:58:29 PM
Well, she now has blood in her poo as well, so am very worried and can't wait for our appointment tomorrow.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Bazsmum on July 01, 2007, 18:15:29 PM
Poor Tiger  :( Hugs to you both and good luck with the vets tomorrow x
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 01, 2007, 18:17:08 PM
Thanks.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Christine (Blip) on July 01, 2007, 18:57:26 PM
Let us know how Tiger gets on tomorrow.

xC
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Millys Mum on July 01, 2007, 19:18:23 PM
Good luck for tomorrow.
Any chance it could be worms?

2 of mine have had nasty diarrhoea for a week now, bland diet hasnt helped them either and they are now on metronidazole.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on July 02, 2007, 07:12:48 AM
Good luck at the vets today  :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 02, 2007, 07:34:20 AM
She was wormed week before last MM, just in case that was the problem, although I dont know how she could get worms.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: clarenmax on July 02, 2007, 08:48:17 AM
Best of luck at the vets today  :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Millys Mum on July 02, 2007, 10:45:08 AM
The little butter lie dormant in muscle tissue!
http://216.239.59.104/search?q=cache:e1j9W8o0s6wJ:www.pharmainfo.net/index2.php%3Foption%3Dcom_content%26do_pdf%3D1%26id%3D1542+cats+worms+muscle+tissue&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=6&gl=uk&ie=UTF-8 (http://216.239.59.104/search?q=cache:e1j9W8o0s6wJ:www.pharmainfo.net/index2.php%3Foption%3Dcom_content%26do_pdf%3D1%26id%3D1542+cats+worms+muscle+tissue&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=6&gl=uk&ie=UTF-8)

Hope your vet visit goes well.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: JackSpratt on July 02, 2007, 15:02:18 PM
Hope Tiger's having a good day today.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 02, 2007, 19:17:18 PM
Well, not a lot of answers from the vet visit - she can't feel any lumps or bumps, which is always a bonus,but her intestines are very inflamed. Only reason the vet can think of for this is stress, which I am not convinced about, the foster cat situation hasn't changed since the beginning of May, and while she seems bothered at the moment, I can't work out whether it is indeed the fosters, or the fact she has this limp, as I have painful joints and know that I get tetchy when the pain is bad (and the weather round here has made mine act up for over a week now), when examining her, the leg is more of an issue than her tummy, as my thumb found out!! Vet didn't seem too bothered about repeating the bloods, but did say that if I wanted x-rays doing, I was best off taking her to the specialist and getting the leg looked at at the same time, as she does need sedation, and it would be better to have it done in one go. At the moment, she has given her a 2 day steroid jab, sensitivity wet, and hypoallergenic dry - although doesnt think it is food allergies at her age, and I have to speak to her again on Wed to let her know how she has been. She asked about her being sick, and said sickness wasn't an issue, it was diarrhea - so Tiger came home, had half her tea, went out, ate grass, came in and brought it all back up, so now there is sickness involved as well!!

I really dont know what to do with her, was debating asking my friend to take a day off work and we will go and find the specialist in Leeds, but am still hesitant to do this, even though it is seeming like the only way to get answers - if stress is part of the problem, taking her on that kind of journey would make her worse. But the other option is to leave her with inflamed bowels as well as an unexplained limp!! Why can't I have normal cats with normal health issues!!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: alisonandarchie on July 02, 2007, 19:34:00 PM
Sorry to hear about Tiger's troubles, please give her a big cuddle from me :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 02, 2007, 19:35:21 PM
Have already been bitten once today thanks, dont fancy that again!! Although she has let me cuddle her last night and this morning, it is a rarity, and she was miaowing the whole time!!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 04, 2007, 08:07:13 AM
She finally had a poo last night, and it wasn't as bad as recent ones have been, although still a small amount of blood. Am hopefully ringing the vet at lunch to discuss what we do now, and will ask about the specialist.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Christine (Blip) on July 04, 2007, 09:31:02 AM
Keep us posted - hope you can get to the bottom of this (pun definitely not intended but I can't think of a better expression) quickly.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 04, 2007, 22:37:26 PM
Thanks Christine - vet didn't ring back today, so am waiting on her to ring back now, and am just going through my policy docs to make sure I will be covered, as I know it will be an expensive trip!!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: alisonandarchie on July 04, 2007, 23:35:55 PM
Hope the vet rings back soon and Tiger can go to see the specialist as soon as possible. :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 05, 2007, 20:53:17 PM
Well, have spoken to the vet, she has registered me at the specialists, and I have to ring up tomorrow to sort out the appointment - as it is a specialists, they have late appointments, so the vet has suggested getting a late evening one, taking her over for say 7/8pm, having the check up and chat, and then leaving her there overnight, having the tests done during the day, then picking her up after work. Other option was an 8am appointment, but would have to set off around 6.45 am for that!! She has said for consult, x-rays and an ultrasound of her tummy, I am looking at about £600, so thank god for pet insurance, I couldnt' have afforded it otherwise. Have spoken to the insurance company, and as it is a continuation of the previous leg claim, there should be no issues with it being paid, and I am also covered for the prescription food she has been on. Got a breakdown of costs to work out if I can claim back for her tummy issues yet, and she has already cost me £98 since the beginning of April!! That excludes the bloods, booster, chip, and x-rays, (over £200) so she is proving to be my expensive cat, I always have to have one of them!!
So, fingers crossed the specialist can get me in the next couple of weeks, have a lot on, but want to get to the bottom of this now she has tummy troubles as well as her leg. The vet has warned me though that they might find something, and it might still prove tricky due to treat due to how hard she is to medicate!!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: alisonandarchie on July 05, 2007, 22:53:35 PM
Very glad to hear something positive is happenening after your chat with the vet. Good luck with the specialist and I agree with your sentiments about pet insurance.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on July 05, 2007, 23:22:34 PM
Very best of luck at the specialist and hope that Tiger will be well soon  :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 06, 2007, 07:44:01 AM
Thanks guys.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 06, 2007, 21:51:02 PM
Well, she is seeing the specialist for the consultation Tues evening, and hopefully all the tests will be done on WEd. Fingers crossed they show something good and positive.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Christine (Blip) on July 06, 2007, 22:41:54 PM
Well, she is seeing the specialist for the consultation Tues evening, and hopefully all the tests will be done on WEd. Fingers crossed they show something good and positive.

Yes.  Keep us posted.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 06, 2007, 22:44:03 PM
Will do. She is sleeping in my room more and more now, which she never used to do. Still demanding food an awful lot, but while she has inflammation, I am wary to feed her too much, so she has 2 pouches of RC sensitivity and some hypoallergenic dry each day - the guidelines say 2 pouches are fine for her weight, but she is still soo hungry. Am goign to buy her some chicken tomorrow as well, and give her some of that to go with it.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 09, 2007, 13:52:34 PM
Little butter is either fed up of RC Sensitivity, or she is feeling worse, cos she appears hungry, yet picks at her food. Hoping it is the former, as there are 2 flavours.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Bazsmum on July 09, 2007, 13:56:10 PM
Aw.....fingers crossed that the specialist finds out the prob and that its nothing serious.......its awful when you know the cat is hungry and your stuck to a diet  :hug: to you both x
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: tab on July 09, 2007, 14:10:10 PM
I hope it goes well at the specialist and they can help
love
Tab
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Liz on July 09, 2007, 16:34:21 PM
Des hope all goes well at the Specialist for you and Tiger

Just an aside I have Sweetie at the vet as she to is picking at her food and me being me open something else which she picks at and the vet advises that she has slightly high blood pressure and we are testing for thyroid problems as they seem to go hand in hand and her bloods like Tigers were ok at the last check up maybe they could test for her thyroid might be that for the food probs

Good luck  - Liz and the Clan Cats
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Millys Mum on July 09, 2007, 17:49:54 PM
Wouldnt be a surprise if shes bored of the RC, is she allowed chicken or white fish?
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 10, 2007, 07:26:20 AM
She had chicken on Sat, so that could be part of the prob!! Will get some of hte duck and rice for her tonight, give her a change. Specialist has cancelled tonight, so we are going to have to go next week instead, which I am not too happy about, esp as her poo was very nasty last night.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Felix (Caroline) on July 10, 2007, 10:24:13 AM
Hope everything goes well :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: JackSpratt on July 10, 2007, 10:28:50 AM
Good luck Tiger. :)
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Bazsmum on July 10, 2007, 19:23:52 PM
How annoying re: the specialist cancelling grrr.... you should of charged him lol!

Oh well another weeks wait..... :hug: to you both to last a week x
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Millys Mum on July 10, 2007, 19:43:50 PM
Oh that sucks they cancelled  :(
I havent rolled back through postings, has she had any anti-bs or a sample sent?
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on July 10, 2007, 23:07:55 PM
Flaming specialist grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: alisonandarchie on July 10, 2007, 23:14:31 PM
Cannot believe the specialist did that , what a  :censored:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 11, 2007, 08:12:12 AM
I know - apparantly he doesn't work late on a Tues - so why did the receptionist book me the appointment??? Popped in at my vets for some Duck and Rice food, and she wasn't happy either!! She wolfed the duck and rice flavour though
MM, she had anti-b's after the first x-rays, as it showed some slight change in the muscle, unfortunatley they gave her diarrhea so she was taken back off them. she hasn't had anything else since April, as I have the breakdown since the last insurance claim downstairs. Specialist has already seen x-rays, which is why I initially wasn't going to take her, cos he couldnt see anything, the only reason she is going now is we need to look at her tummy, but it is pointless sedating her at my vets for that and ignoring her leg.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 15, 2007, 17:32:22 PM
WEll, I had a day trip and overnight stay on Fri, didn't get back till 11ish last night, and Tiger was being really fussy, she is allowing me to stroke her more than normal and even slept next to me on the bed for part of last night, I was too scared to move admittedly, but am hoping her being extra nice is a good thing. Not looking forward to tomorrow night though.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Bazsmum on July 15, 2007, 18:49:13 PM
Aw....she obviously missed you Des  :Luv:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: clarenmax on July 15, 2007, 19:04:53 PM
Aw bless her  :Luv:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: JackSpratt on July 15, 2007, 21:43:50 PM
Yep, she must've missed you. :) Good luck tomorrow, hope they figure out the problem.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: alisonandarchie on July 15, 2007, 22:12:22 PM
Best of luck for tomorrow, thinking of you both  :)
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 16, 2007, 07:39:59 AM
Thanks - she has never seemed bothered before if there is someone there or not, although she obviously got smaller rations this weekend, cos I couldnt ask the neighbours to leave dry down, as Lucy would have eaten it all. Not looking forward to tonight, but her leg looked to be clicking out of place last night, so hopefully they will figure it out for us.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Christine (Blip) on July 16, 2007, 09:02:24 AM
Good luck and hope to hear some positive news later.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: clarenmax on July 16, 2007, 09:03:13 AM
Best of luck  :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Susanne (urbantigers) on July 16, 2007, 13:46:34 PM
Good luck with the specialist.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 17, 2007, 07:32:46 AM
Well, he thinks her tummy might be IBD, he is doing bloods, and then possibly an ultrasound, or an endoscopy to take biopsies - doesn't sound pleasant anyway!! Her leg is still a puzzle, it is her knee and hip that is bothering her more, so they are going to do loads of tests on that, he is on about taking samples and things. We might have some answers today, but probably wont, esp not on the tummy side as the biopsies need to be sent away. She might also need to go back in a weeks time, which isn't good. On a plus side though, they allow you to sign a disclaimer which gives them the authority to deal with your insurance company on your behalf, so all I have to pay is the excess, they will get everything else back.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: swampmaxmum on July 17, 2007, 12:05:06 PM
poor wee thing. Let us know how you get on with all those tests.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: clarenmax on July 17, 2007, 13:17:30 PM
Sorry to hear about all the tests required Desley, lets hope they get to the bottom of the problems very soon for Tiger.  Keep us posted.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: alisonandarchie on July 17, 2007, 16:46:12 PM
It certainly sounds as if the specialist is doing all to find out whats wrong with Tiger. Hope she did not mind the tests too much. Good luck with the test results.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 17, 2007, 18:30:03 PM
WEll, she is staying tomorrow, as they are hoping to do the other tests then - would be a gastroscopy, colonscopy, biopsies and possible blood tests - only prob is the insurance company are quibbling at the moment, and £1200 is slightly out of my budget with everything else she has cost so far (and i am up to 15% of the total costs on her leg now, she is over the threshold), so need to speak to them in the morning, and hope htey like my explanation of why they know nothing about it (costs for it so far are £51.75, excess is £50 and vets charge £3.85, i would be out of pocket to claim!!!). He thinks the problem is with her styfal (sp?), he has taken some samples and they hope to know if it is something simple like an infection or something more in the next couple of days, he did mark it as urgent, so there is a possibility of it being back tomorrow. he did mention it could require surgery depending on test results, but I am not sure I would put her through it, especially as the x-rays did show signs of osteo-arthritic changes in both her hips, the right one being worse (odd as she limps on the other one), cos she is going to have issues with her legs regardless.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: JackSpratt on July 17, 2007, 20:19:40 PM
Sending hugs to both you and Tiger, Desley! :)
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Bazsmum on July 17, 2007, 20:41:53 PM
Grrrr.....now its the insurance company! They will take your installments quick enough tho!

Hope all turn out good for you and Tiger  ;)
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Baggy on July 17, 2007, 20:52:18 PM
Fingers crossed that they will work out what is going on - and hope your insurers see sense!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Christine (Blip) on July 17, 2007, 21:54:23 PM
Grrrr.....now its the insurance company! They will take your installments quick enough

Aint that right?  >:(

Keep us posted, Desley
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 18, 2007, 07:41:19 AM
I hope I can get the insurance company to see sense, or we still wont know why she has diarrhea, although it has been fine recently, and at least we have a tentative diagnosis of the problem. Can't wait to get her tonight, the house has felt way too quiet this week.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 18, 2007, 08:17:31 AM
Spoke to the insurance company, and all they can say is 'it should be OK' but the only way to guarantee it is to do a pre-authorisation form and that will take 2-3 days, which isn't an option, I dont want her staying there any longer than she needs to. I would also need something from my vet to say she has been referred (presuming that is due to it being a different issue to the leg - which they also arent guaranteed to pay). So, it is looking like she wont be having the tests done, if it was a one off sum of £1200 and she would be fine, then I would happily pay, but a bit reluctant to pay that just for the tests (and it is only an estimate), and then more to actually treat whatever they find without a guarantee off the insurance company, especially as I have to pay the excess for the leg, and I would also like to get Molly's leg x-rayed in the next month (another £100 or so)
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: swampmaxmum on July 18, 2007, 09:23:21 AM
can your treating vet/s not ring up the insurance company , stating it's urgent and speeding up the authorisation process to immediate? That sounds a really long time for authorisation. Poor you. Hope you can work it out so that it's affordable and she gets the treatment she needs to get better fast. Which is obviously going to be better at home! Don't they realise that their insurance payout costs will go up for every day's extra time spent in hospital having more tests???? My vet said he once rang up a reluctant insurer to say 'well if you don't pay x, I may have to do more tests like y,z, etc and the costs will go up even more...what would you like me to do?' and they opted for the less costly option. all the best x
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Millys Mum on July 18, 2007, 16:23:27 PM
What is it they are deliberating over? You should have 6k to play with as your vet suggested you go to a specialist   :-: :-:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 18, 2007, 21:45:56 PM
Well, it wasn't an issue in the end, the 'internal medicine' vet decided as it has only been going on for a month, we will just ultrasound and possible x-rays, which is a manageable amount. I have also been to my normal vet to get the history for the tummy upset, so hopefully wont be a problem now. We have some results, and a plan. The leg tests have come back, and there is a definite problem, there are some suspicious cells - now, they could be due to chronic inflammation, but these kind of cells are normally seen after years of chronic inflammation, not just a few months, so unless she had it and wasn't limping, that would be a puzzling result. But, ultimately what we are hoping for as the alternative is a tumour (he did tell me the proper name, and it escapes me at the moment, but it is a something cell tumour, possibly sickle cell tumour, although that doesn't sound quite right). We are awaiting results of the bloods done by the other vet, and if they are all fine, she needs exploratory surgery so they know exactly what it is. If it is cancer (and other factors could make it more likely, such as the fact she has had a few treatments and none have worked), the treatment is amputation, and to be honest, I dont know if I could put her through that, she is harder to treat than Pebbles was, and I know she wouldnt tolerate cage rest, she was in a cage initially last year and went bonkers after a day, plus dealing wiht an e-collar and meds would be a lot harder than her, she is very hard to handle. If I decide not to go through with it, it fortunately is a slow growing cancer with a very low chance of moving - but if left, they dont use the leg as it is too painful, which to me would impact on quality of life. The best case scenario tummy wise is hyperthyroid, but if she is, that would delay any treatment for her leg, as they wouldnt operate until her levels were under control. In the meantime, she is still on special food, and a 5 day course of Panacur, in case of anything like guardia that normal wormers wouldnt treat. He did mention the possibility of some other meds beginning with M, but they also depend on how well she takes meds. So far, everything is looking fine with her tummy and organs, the urine sample showed good renal function, so just waiting - the thyroid results should be back by Fri, but I have a work event so can't find the results out until Mon. Total cost was just under £800, I got a days grace on paying, as the excess was tricky for them to work out being on two different illnesses, so I have to ring tomorrow to find out how much I owe them!! So still need good vibes!!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Bazsmum on July 18, 2007, 22:58:32 PM
Sending lots & lots of "good vibes" to Tiger and yourself ~~~~~~~~~
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 18, 2007, 23:00:49 PM
Thanks - my event on Fri has a free bar for 5.5 hours, think i will be taking advantage somehow!! And then more at the barbecue on Sat!! As well as the issues with Tiger, I have no washer or TV this week, hopefully both will be sorted by Sat, I have an odd cold that is making breathing hard, and work is hectic. Plus another vet visit with Molly tomorrow - three in one week, I must be bonkers!!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: alisonandarchie on July 19, 2007, 09:44:43 AM
You have so much to think about from the vets at the moment, I'm sure your head is spinning around. It sounds as if the vet is really getting to the bottom of Tigers ailments. Even is Tiger does not want one I am sending her a big hug and lots of good thoughts for you. :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: CurlyCatz on July 19, 2007, 12:04:50 PM
was it squamous cell tumour des ?

What ever it turns out to be it sounds very uncommon indeed.  But atleast they have identified there IS something wrong, rather than the limp and never anything identified.

I'm sorry i cant remember ever dealing with something that had been referred and having the cells looked at (in a cat any way)  and i cant say i've much experience of cancer in the leg other than bone cancer or a skin type cancer so i'm  absolutely no help.

The best advise i could give was to take full advantage of that free bar for the maximum 5 1/2 hours  ;D
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Millys Mum on July 19, 2007, 12:37:04 PM
Good luck for the t4 result :luck:


Good vibes
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 19, 2007, 20:06:59 PM
No, it was Spindle Cell Tumour (not particularly common I dont think)- apparently if they are under the skin, they are bad, cos they sort of grow legs and spread, but in joints they are very bad, as you can't just remove the tumour, you have to remove the whole limb - and it does tend to be a painful cancer. Vet wasn't sounding very optimistic if it does turn out to be that, she agreed with my way of thinking that amputation isn't so straight forward due to the arthritis in her hips - esp in view of the fact the right hip is worse, as that is the one that would end up carrying the most, plus her temperament. She then did remind me that we could just be looking at inflammation, but she has already told the specialist that it's unlikely as it is one of my cats!!! One other puzzling thing is that nothing showed up on the x-ray, both of them would have expected something with the amount of swelling. Vet has decided that if I ever get a cat with an unexplained limp and x-rays show nothing, she is immediately doing a joint tap - if she had thought of that, she wouldn't have had to refer me. She seems happy for me to ignore the tummy issue for the moment, I am happy that cancer has been ruled out (although only in one place), and the vet has told hte specialist that while her thyroid levels were at the high end, she doesn't think it is thyroid related, partly in light of no other high values, and partly just a feeling. We shall see by Monday, and then decide about this exploratory surgery - at least the ultrasound has showed perfect abdominal organs.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Bazsmum on July 21, 2007, 06:34:44 AM
Well......is it a "Hic" or a hangover then Des?  :evillaugh:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 22, 2007, 18:58:34 PM
Just tired today, was drinking again yesterday, fortunately felt the effects better the second day!! Out of all the people I have spoken to, only one thinks it is worth putting her through the surgery to see what the score is. I am swaying towards not doing, but just need to ask the vet a few questions - I am debating seeing what other treatment they could do if it was indeed just chronic inflammation, if there is nothing more we can try on top of what has already been done this year, it is pointless putting her through the surgery - I wouldnt put her through the amputation because of the arthritis in her hips, the vet can't guarantee she would be able to manage afterwards with the extra weight on an arthritic hip, which is already the worse of the two, and while ultimately if it is cancer she wont be able to walk on the left leg, I am hoping I will buy her more time, and not put her through 2 surgeries. The main worry is the fact it is a painful cancer. She is still eating me out of house and home, I bought her some Asda Tiger food yesterday as that is what she came to me eating (other theory is a food allergy), and she brought the first lot up yesterday within minutes!! She has had 2 lots of sensitivity food since then and have tried again, and she has kept it down this time. IF the thyroid test comes back normal, we have drawn a blank as to why she is constantly hungry yet losing weight - I have had to stop the Panacur, as she wasn't eating much sensitivity, and I didn't know if it was the food she was fed up of, or the meds in it.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: JackSpratt on July 22, 2007, 19:10:40 PM
Awww, Desley. You're both having it pretty rough! Whatever you decide will be the right thing for Tiger, because you know her better than anyone.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 22, 2007, 19:18:39 PM
Thanks. I hope I can make the right choice for her.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Bazsmum on July 24, 2007, 07:54:58 AM
I know that the choice you make for her will be for her wellbeing not your own....Good Luck  :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: clarenmax on July 24, 2007, 08:52:43 AM
Sorry to hear you're having such a tough time at the moment with Tiger  :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 25, 2007, 07:34:58 AM
Got the last of her blood test results through yesterday, it isn't what we were hoping. Rather than having a high thyroid level, she has a low one, which the vet says is down to illness somewhere in her body suppressing it - we did already know she was ill of course, they just dont know if this is related to her leg, tummy or something else entirely. A couple of other levels were slightly high/low, but he wasn't too concerned about any of those. So, her thyroid isn't the reason she is eating so much (I did a little test last night, and she had about 2 pouches plus 2 lots of dry (about 30-40g) and was still asking for food - she was funny with her first lot of dry, she left some, so I picked it up, as soon as she heard me do that, she came running back in and ate more, and did that twice until the bowl was empty, then still asked for more, I just made her wait a bit in case she was sick.). Her poos haven't been that bad - I stopped the Panacur as seh was being fussy, and I didn't know if it was the food or the meds that was doing it. I told the internal medicine vet I was happy to not give her anything for the diarrhea and see how she goes, cos I have had cancer ruled out, and he said that we can't actually rule out lymphoma, especially of the bowel, and that could explain some of her symptoms. He isn't going to put her through any more tests until we know what the situation is with her leg though, and is going to get the ortho vet to ring me today to discuss what we do next.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Christine (Blip) on July 25, 2007, 11:52:19 AM
Sorry it isn't at all clear-cut with Tiger - keep us posted.

 :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Bazsmum on July 25, 2007, 13:10:28 PM
OMG....the plot thickens.......wishing you and Tiger a solid outcome and an end to all of this soon  :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: clarenmax on July 25, 2007, 13:26:14 PM
Sorry to hear you've still not got any definitive answers, it must be an awful worry  :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Rosella moggy on July 25, 2007, 14:19:40 PM
Desley. I've been following this thread in background. Have nothing of any use to offer except good vibes. Just wanted you to know that I'm rooting for Tiger and really feel for you with the worry you are having to cope with  :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Liz on July 25, 2007, 14:23:06 PM
Sorry to hear you are still in the wondering zone but at least a lot of stuff is being ruled out

Whatever way you go forward Des as you have done with all your furbabes it will be done with a lot of research and love and at the end of the day what is best for you and Tiger will be the outcome

Purrs and stuff

Liz in Dublin and the Clan at home with Daddy!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Millys Mum on July 25, 2007, 15:22:20 PM
I think Liz says it just right and i hope the phonecall goes they way you want.

 :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: alisonandarchie on July 25, 2007, 17:28:43 PM
It must be very frustrating for you, but at least a start has been made to try and work out whats wrong. :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on July 25, 2007, 21:46:53 PM
I can only echo what the others have said and I know you care about your cats so much and will do everything in your power for them  :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 26, 2007, 07:47:09 AM
Thanks guys.
Liz - I just wish cancer could be ruled out, but even if I do the exploratory surgery on her leg, she could still have lymphoma, which could be the reason for her tummy. He did mention gut biopsies, which I assume would rule that out, but not sure I want to put her through that either.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Millys Mum on July 26, 2007, 10:14:03 AM
Thanks guys.
Liz - I just wish cancer could be ruled out, but even if I do the exploratory surgery on her leg, she could still have lymphoma, which could be the reason for her tummy. He did mention gut biopsies, which I assume would rule that out, but not sure I want to put her through that either.

Taffy had Lymphoma in his intestines, it wasnt found in a physical but was finally picked up on an x-ray. Preds are sometimes useful for lymphomas, my friends cat got an extra year before it came back and caused him problems.

Fingers crossed its just IBS  :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Janeyk on July 26, 2007, 10:40:35 AM
Has she been checked for hyperthyroidism Desley because the funny tummy, hunger and grumpyness are classis signs (having had 2 cats and myself with it) Hope she soon gets sorted poor thing.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 26, 2007, 13:18:23 PM
MM - can't remember if they x-rayed her as well as doing an ultrasound on her, steroids did help her tummy though, so that might be the way to go. Obviously it depends on the leg though, knowing my luck, treatment for one will be ruled out by the issue with the other.
Hi Jane - yep, she has been checked for it, we were hoping that is what it would show, as it was one of the better options for her hunger yet weight loss, but it showed a low thyroid level rather htan a high one, so it is being suppressed by illness.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 26, 2007, 20:32:33 PM
Thanks. had a chat with my vet cos I was up with Lucy, and she has persuaded me to go with the exploratory surgery, apparently the specialist has told her that he is hoping it is a ligament damage causing inflammation, in which case he might be able to repair it. She has warned me though that if it is a tumour, she wouldnt do the amputation - I trust her judgement though, as it is the same as what I was thinking - I would rather her hopefully have a few months before it made her unable to walk than put her through an amputation and her have less time before being unable to walk due to the arthritis in her hip. WAs a bit of an emotional visit though, I mentioned the fact that unlike Pebbles, we know there is something else going on (it was suspected with Pebbles, but tests couldnt' prove it, unlike Tiger), and the vet interrupted me to say that she wished she could have done a postmortem on Pebbles to find out exactly what had gone on. have to say I sort of wish she had mentioned it at the time, it might have been nice to know exactly what the issue was.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 27, 2007, 07:40:32 AM
Not a good morning - last night, she had stopped eating so much, I had hoped she was just settling down, although she was showing interest in food (Came running over cos she heard my frozen veg going in the pan!!), but then not eating much when you gave it her (gave her different wet last night, but not dry), there was a slight amount of runny poo in the tray last night, but have come down this morning to sickness and diarrhea, Tiger didn't want to move to have her breakfast, put it in her bed with her, she sniffed it, walked away and has now gone outside. Getting concerned at how much she is being sick, this is actually the third time this week, the vet put the first time down to her eating too quickly, and the second was a furball. She isn't the kind of cat who is sick though.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: blackcat on July 27, 2007, 07:43:04 AM
desley is she dehydrated? Try pinching the loose skin on her back and seeing how long it takes to return to its normal position. If she is then I am afraid another trip to the vet is in order, and urgently ...
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 27, 2007, 07:48:00 AM
Dont know yet - last night I would have said not, as I heard someone at the water bowl, and Molly was next to me (only have the two of them in the room at night) - she doesn't like being touched, so checking things like that is tricky with her, but will do so before I go to work in case I need to book her in - was giong to pick up some more sensitivity food for her tonight anyway. Only told the vets last night I would see them in a month, must stop jinxing myself!!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: blackcat on July 27, 2007, 07:53:30 AM
lol, yes you should always remember to touch wood when you say things like that. It's just that kitties dehydrate very rapidly when vomitting and diarrhoea-ish (?sp). And today is forecast fine and warm. So do try to check before you go won't you (of course you will). Hugs to both of you.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 27, 2007, 07:55:27 AM
Just tried to check - I would say she is very slightly, but she didn't appreciate my concern so wasn't very co-operative. shall ring the vets today, as I am fundraising in the morning, which is the only time my vets open on a weekend!! Have added water to her food (Which she ignored) and put fresh water in front of her which she also ignored!!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: blackcat on July 27, 2007, 07:56:42 AM
yes, that's the trouble with kitties. they don't drink enough. Well fingers crossed and good luck with the fund-raising event.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 27, 2007, 08:00:06 AM
Thanks for the wishes, we might need them!!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 27, 2007, 08:15:41 AM
She has just tried to be sick again and only brought up bile - am hoping it is furball related, have given her a plate of sardines in oil, and when she has finished in the tray, shall give her some KAtalax. I know there is no chance of getting her in this morning, I just remembered my vet telling me that she needed to split herself in two with the workload she had on today, hopefully they can squeeze me in at the end of surgery, or give me some tips instead!!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: blackcat on July 27, 2007, 09:04:05 AM
hope so. If it were me I would be getting it in as quickly as possible. Can you perhaps leave her with the vet this morning and collect this afternoon? That way if she needs fluids they can administer them during the am?
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on July 27, 2007, 09:22:38 AM
Poor Tiger and poor you  :hug:  Hope she perks up and that you can get to the bottom of all her problems.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: JackSpratt on July 27, 2007, 10:01:59 AM
 :hug: Oh no, poor both of you. Hope the vets can fit you in.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on July 27, 2007, 11:09:49 AM
Poor Tiger, hope the vet can find out what is problem  :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Millys Mum on July 27, 2007, 15:14:42 PM
Poor Tiger and you,  it sounds like her tummy is causing her more of a problem than her leg?

 :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 27, 2007, 17:47:00 PM
Have been to the vet - she was dehydrated, so has had some sub-q fluids, her ears were incredibly hot, but no sign of a temp, so the vet has given her some meds for anti-nausea, prescribed special food again, and has given me some tabs and liquid in case she is sick again over the weekend - she is definitely not well though, I didn't get bit once!! Have spoken to the specialist and agreed to go through with the exploratory surgery, as long as her tummy is still fine, she is going on the 6th August for a check-up, hospitalised overnight and surgery done on the Tues, he is hoping it is something he can fix, and is also doing biopsies.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: JackSpratt on July 27, 2007, 20:34:47 PM
Oh, Desley. This must all be so stressful for the both of you. Sending you hugggeee  :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on July 27, 2007, 23:55:18 PM
I hope the specialist can find out what is wrong cos it definately sounds like a problem. So strange that tests donr show anything.

What a worry  :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 28, 2007, 07:42:47 AM
Thanks - apparently it isn't unusual for things like lymphoma to be apparent but not show up on bloods - it is making me wonder if it is worth taking her back about her leg though, I am concerned about putting her through the stress of the journey again, and the pain of exploratory surgery if her tummy is more serious than we first thought.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: tab on July 28, 2007, 08:23:39 AM
(((((((((Des and Tiger))))))))
I hope Tigers feeling a little better today. You're both going through so much with this.
I hope things improve
love
Tab
Ps I'll see you later if you're able to leave her
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Liz on July 28, 2007, 12:32:33 PM
Des my heart goes out to you as it was tumours that finally got Bert after all his other ailments in his last 7 years with us I mean he was blind, had blood that didn't clot, a heart murmer for his 20 birthday and was a golden oldie with a poor prognosis when we took him on but he lived life to the full and mastered the stairs in our new house, patrolled our garden and even got trapped during our great escape last year but we let him dictate the pace and in the end I said goodbye to him and in my heart knew the trip to the vets with Daddy meant he wasn't coming back

So whatever you decide des we are with you in thought and know what a rough time you have had with the oldies but for some reason they find there way to you and you give them 110% of everything and they stay with you through all their problems and you just keep on plugging away to get the best for them

Hang in there Des and Tiger to :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 28, 2007, 19:23:56 PM
Well, no sickness or diarrhea today, but unless she is eating better, I am cancelling the surgery on Mon, she isn't eating as well as she has been doing, she asked me for food earlier despite there still being wet food down (it is sensitivity food though), gave her some dry, and she has eaten some, but not a lot, and this has been every meal time since Thurs - while she had put weight on at the vets, I am still not happy. She has gone from asking for food, eating it all and demanding more, to asking for food, nibbling then asking for more!!
Thanks Liz and Tab - i always seem to find these sickly cats, they never look it though, but there is obviously a reason they end up with me, and as much heartache as they cause, I will keep doing it, cos I know I can look back and say I gave them x amount of time, where they had love and affection, and I tried everything for them. They aren't all that lucky sadly. If she wasn't poorly though, I would have had cat no 3!!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Christine (Blip) on July 29, 2007, 10:55:13 AM
I know I can look back and say I gave them x amount of time, where they had love and affection, and I tried everything for them.

So true, and thank goodness there are people like you who see things that way.

 :hug: to Tiger
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on July 29, 2007, 16:28:31 PM
keeping my fingers crossed Desley.  Know how much you've been through, and praying all will be well.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 29, 2007, 19:05:28 PM
Thanks guys. Am really not sure what to do for the best - spoke to two people yesterday, one person saying they feel it is better not to put her through any more at her age, and the other saying that I should do it in case the leg is causing the tummy issue - I personally dont feel it is the leg giving her a dodgy tummy, due to her age it is likely to start getting multiple health issues and the tummy was a while after her leg. The other thing that is making me reluctant is that I could put her through this, and it could show cancer, in which case there is nothing we can do, so I would be effectively getting a diagnosis for nothing. He also wants to explore the ligament as well as doing the biopsy, so she might be in pain afterwards, and I would just hate to put her through pain for nothing. She still has a dodgy tum today, and isn't eating much, I know she would prefer to have normal food, but can't risk it if that is causing her tummy issues - someone did bring a furball up while I was out though, hopefully that will solve something.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Millys Mum on July 29, 2007, 19:13:44 PM
I think i would investigate stomach issues before the leg for the reasons you give. If it turns out she has just developed IBS then the leg would be next.

 :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Gillian Harvey on July 29, 2007, 19:18:10 PM
Thanks guys. Am really not sure what to do for the best - spoke to two people yesterday, one person saying they feel it is better not to put her through any more at her age, and the other saying that I should do it in case the leg is causing the tummy issue - I personally dont feel it is the leg giving her a dodgy tummy, due to her age it is likely to start getting multiple health issues and the tummy was a while after her leg. The other thing that is making me reluctant is that I could put her through this, and it could show cancer, in which case there is nothing we can do, so I would be effectively getting a diagnosis for nothing. He also wants to explore the ligament as well as doing the biopsy, so she might be in pain afterwards, and I would just hate to put her through pain for nothing. She still has a dodgy tum today, and isn't eating much, I know she would prefer to have normal food, but can't risk it if that is causing her tummy issues - someone did bring a furball up while I was out though, hopefully that will solve something.

So sorry you're going through this Desley, what a dilemma, its hard to know what to do for the best isnt it?

By the way, you may have tried this already, but what about trying a probiotic in her food, to see if that helps with the dodgy tummy side of things.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 29, 2007, 19:22:54 PM
MM - the internal medicine specialist wanted to see what is going on with her leg first, as if it is cancer, he doesn't want to put her through scopes and biopsies as they wont change anything.
Thanks Gillian, it is.

Vet hasn't suggested that, and it is something I have generally forgotten after the explanations!! Will see if I can put a call into the vet tomorrow and see what she says, and at least I have a week to see how she goes on before deciding whether to go through with the op or not - yesterday it was a no after talking to the first person, then it was a yes after talking to the second person, and now I just have no idea.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 01, 2007, 07:31:05 AM
Well, have started mixing normal food with her sensitivity again, and she is eating well, i am just worried in case we have the same reaction as last week - I suppose while she is only reacting to normal cat food, it is a good sign that her tummy isn't anything serious. Still not sure what to do about the op though.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on August 01, 2007, 07:39:36 AM
Don't push yourself Des, just take your time.  You still have a little under a week to decide.  In your shoes, I wouldn't be altogether convinced the leg problem may be causing the tummy issues either, and if you need more time to think about it, take it.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 01, 2007, 07:45:26 AM
Thanks Sue, I dont think the two are related, but can see the sense in getting this leg sorted once and for all, just dubious because of the secondary issue, I could put her through this surgery for nothing. Then again, I could put her through this surgery and everything could be fine. My luck doesn't tend to work the second way though.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on August 01, 2007, 07:53:04 AM
I know.  You've had a really tough time of it over the last 12 to 18 months.  This won't get easier I suspect, but one thing has always motivated your decisions, and that's been the welfare and the love you have of the cats in your care.  You're learning to trust your own Judgment.   That's always a difficult one, but I think you'll make the right choices.  I just think you need time to be sure what to do for the best.

If I was a cat, I'd trust you.  And I reckon I'd be a suspicious cat, rather than a friendly cat!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 01, 2007, 08:15:02 AM
 have, and it probably wont get easier unless I stop dealing with oldies, and I Can't quite bring myself to do that - as much as I think it at times like this, it never lasts (if Tiger wasn't poorly, I would be up to 3 cats now, we have a 12/13yo pure white in the cattery that I would love to bring home, but wont let myself at the mo), the fact that I gave them a good home and they got the love and care they deserve overrules the heartache I go through. Interesting that you think I am learning to trust my judgement, i wouldnt have said so to be honest. Not sure how much time I should give myself though, she isn't limping today, although she was last night, but she does still sit with that leg to the side, so there is some discomfort. I just want someone else to make the decision for me, but got conflicting advice on Sat!! At least we know there is only the thyroid that is being affected at the mo, her liver and kidney levels are good enough to put her through it.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on August 01, 2007, 08:22:19 AM
Des, was just wondering - if the conflicting advice was from two vets at the same practice, is there any way the three of you could have a "brain-storming" session just to chat through their reasoning?  It wouldn't be a case of "one's wrong, one's right" - more an exploration of ideas and why they hold different views.

You really are learning to trust your Judgment.  You don't see it because you're directly involved.

You've chosen to help the heartbreakers.  You know what accompanies that, but you can't help where your heart lies, and you do a sterling job.  That's what matters. 
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Christine (Blip) on August 01, 2007, 08:34:46 AM
I agree with Sue and couldnt have put it better.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Bazsmum on August 01, 2007, 13:49:15 PM
It takes a heart of gold to help these cats  :Luv:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 02, 2007, 07:57:35 AM
Sue, the advice was actually from friends - I was swaying towards going through with the op yesterday, but had a chat with my neighobur last night who tried to convince me not to go through with it, she thinks I should wait 3 months to see if she does actually get any worse - my only prob with that way of doing it is that I could then be in a situation where we can't do anything cos it has been left too long. But, i might put her through all this for a diagnosis I can't do anything about anyway. She is fine on a mix of sensitivity and normal food, so am going to get her some chicken and fish this weekend, and maybe see if I can get some Perfect Fit sensitivity, just to give her some variety in her diet.
Thanks Ruth.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on August 02, 2007, 08:23:53 AM
Mmm.  See what you mean.  Makes it even more of a "rock and a hard place".  Particularly difficult as it has many similarities to the decisions you faced with Pebbles.  Given Tiger's age, the risks are increased whichever way you choose.  Leaving aside what any of us have said, do you have a gut instinct when you think about your options?

Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Liz on August 02, 2007, 09:18:44 AM
Des you never have easy decisions and my heart goes out to you at this time, I have always felt quality of life as opposed to the problems helps me in making any decision

I did this with Moose after doing all the tests and having a grumpy oldie and then being told he had 4 weeks at the most - Moose and I decided otherwise and he went on for another 9 months and only spent his last day in a kitten pen as he looked ready to go and died in my arms that night at home (nearly on the way to the vets) with all his siblings and his parents with him.  Moose only had 4.5 years with us but he was loved and wanted and we dealt with his issues along the way - he also lost an ear to cancer and he came to us as a golden oldie having spent 11 months uin a CP shelter as he used to bite - he meant it to!

Whatever you decide we are all with you and my thoughts are with you and Tiger at this time :hug:

Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on August 02, 2007, 09:21:03 AM
I think my feelings echo Liz on this one
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: CurlyCatz on August 02, 2007, 10:53:27 AM
Desley for what its worth in this type of situation its always the same with the same agonising options.

I think there are actually no right or wrong decision, ex laps are often a damned if we do, damned if we dont type of senario..the only honest thing i can say is follow what your gut feeling says .. i know that you are actually very similar to myself when it comes to assessing life quality and long term options so in that respect have faith you are very level headed.

Sorry cant make the decision for you but what ever you decide i believe it will be in her best interests.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Jasmine on August 02, 2007, 17:20:54 PM
Sorry to hear Tiger is having problems Des.

I think what Lynn says is very true, there are no right or wrong decisions to be made over this sort of issue:  as a caring cat 'guardian', you can only trust you own judgment, knowing Tiger as you do, with guidance from a veterinarian.

I feel I could entrust you with my own cats welfare - and believe me, there's not many people I could say that about - so just wanted to reiterate what others have said really.

J.
X
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 02, 2007, 21:12:45 PM
Well, I decided to cancel the appointment at lunch, and have spoken to my vet since. There have been very valid points for both ways, but a chat with my neighbour last night made me think a lot - she advised against it due to the fact there isnt' just one thing going on, and she felt there was too much to tackle one thing, and after thinking about it for quite a while, I realised she had a point, there are way too many 'ifs' for me to be comfortable with doing anything the leg - even if it is the best case scenario with her leg, the arthritis in both her hips could cause her problems, and I might not buy her any time. We are going to keep her on sensitivity food for a while, both vets suggested dry food only (her bloods showed no issues), tried that tonight, she nibbled and then walked away and found Lucy's wet food!! So, that then leaves the thyroid, my vet might have used the wrong wording but said that shows a serious issue outside the thyroid, and we dont know what it is.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: JackSpratt on August 03, 2007, 11:31:26 AM
 :hug: Whatever decision you made, you made it for the right reason, Desley. Because you love Tiger so much. And for what it's worth, I think you did the right thing. Sending Madam a big fuss. (and Molly, so she isn't left out!)
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: clarenmax on August 03, 2007, 11:43:53 AM
Hi Desley, there's nothing I can say that the other peeps have'nt said already, just wanted to add my support really.  I know that whatever you do for Tiger, it will not a decision taken lightly, and will be done with her very best interests in mind.

Not very helpful I know, just wanted to say that  :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 06, 2007, 07:44:35 AM
Well, she is relatively happy, she played with me Fri night, then came and sat on my knee for a few hours, last night she came and sat with me again, and then played with some catnip. She is limping at the moment, but as long as you give her food she likes, she does eat well (Doesnt like the duck JWB though), and enjoyed the sun yesterday. Very little litter tray action though, hopefully that is a good sign. Will just have to see how she gets on now, my neighbour doesn't think it is anything serious, I just hope so!! She has been with me a year on Fri.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on August 06, 2007, 07:48:28 AM
Crikey Desley - a year on Friday!  That's flown past.

Am glad she's had a good weekend with you.  Think we were all trying to soak up the sun yesterday.    :hug: to Tiger
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 06, 2007, 07:51:15 AM
Yeah, it has, and how much has changed in that year. She will have either chicken or fish for her birthday tea, so it is a treat but still bland, dont want to make her poorly again!!
Me too, it has been nice seeing her play and enjoy things - still demanding food lots, but I would prefer that to her not eating.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on August 06, 2007, 08:27:03 AM
That sounds grand to me.

I know what you mean - Paddy still has spells where he goes off his food, and we have to tempt him, but then he'll eat like a little horse and it makes me feel so glad to see him eat.  Over the weekend he had cooked lamb, fresh fish and prawns (his favourite)
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: JackSpratt on August 06, 2007, 09:22:57 AM
Glad Tiger seems to be coping OK. It is always hard to know what's right in those sort of circumstances.

And congratulations on your year together.  :)
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 08, 2007, 08:15:23 AM
She has had a really good week so far - few fussy moments with food, she is preferring dry again, so will pop to the vets tomorrow and get the other flavour of sensitivity, in case she is bored with it!! But, she is playing a bit, I can stroke her more, and actually sat on my knee without me having anything fleecy, which is unheard of. I dont know what has caused the change in her, but I am happy - her tummy still isn't 100% though, and she is still limping.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on August 08, 2007, 08:19:15 AM
That's great Des.  I know you're still very worried about her, but one step at a time.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 08, 2007, 08:20:41 AM
Yeah, I just hope this lasts.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: clarenmax on August 08, 2007, 09:34:40 AM
You've just got to take it day by day, but so pleased there is an improvement in her  :Luv:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on August 09, 2007, 07:38:18 AM
Sending warm thoughts to you and Tiger Desley.  Hope she's continuing to hold her own.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 09, 2007, 07:40:58 AM
Thanks - she is back in a demanding food mood - tried to give her dry food only last night, she complained, so gave her wet food only this morning and she still complained!! Think she might just be fed up of special food though, as she is happily finishing off Lucy's Whiskas/Felix!! She has a tin of Almo Nature Chicken for her birthday tomorrow. She wont like me much tonight though, nail clipping and Frontline time!!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on August 09, 2007, 07:43:12 AM
 :rofl:  A lady who knows what she likes!

 :shify:  oh no - not - nail clipping and Frontline.....   :omg: :sneakin:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 09, 2007, 07:44:36 AM
Yeah!! She isn't goign out as much - she had issues with the neighbours cats on Sun, so wonder if that is part of the problem.

I know, I am so nasty!!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Kittybabe (Ruth) on August 09, 2007, 07:44:53 AM
Cruel Desley, CRUEL!  Don't you know you should do the Frontline and Clipping on separate days. What next.. ear drops.. Sheesh, just can't get the staff these days!!  :evillaugh:

Glad she's getting there Des, what a trooper.  :Luv:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 09, 2007, 07:48:27 AM
:-) Dont think I am brave enough to do ear drops as well!!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on August 09, 2007, 07:49:34 AM
Paddy sez please tell Tiger he sympathises - neighbour's cats can be so, well - uncultured, frankly.  And yes, Ruth - you just can't get the staff!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Bazsmum on August 09, 2007, 12:36:43 PM
Glad to hear Tiger is improving  :Luv:

& "Happy Birthday" for tomorrow Tiger....... :yayyy: :cheer: :cheer: :yayyy:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Christine (Blip) on August 09, 2007, 20:40:40 PM
Rubbish to hear about the nail clipping, Tiger, never mind eh, and  :bday: to you tomorrow

 :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on August 10, 2007, 00:40:41 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Tiger  :yesss: :yesss: :yesss: :yesss:

:Flowers: :Flowers: :ahh: :ahh: :ahh:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 10, 2007, 18:29:38 PM
Sadly, she brought her birthday treat up, and it was only Almo Nature chicken - she went straight out when I got home and ate grass, so she is back on sensitivity, I daren't give her the rest of her treats.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 10, 2007, 18:50:15 PM
Not having a good day today, she has just brought up her tea now as well, so need to keep an eye on her, dont fancy having to go to the vets tomorrow.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Bazsmum on August 10, 2007, 21:06:02 PM
Hope she's okay Des.....hopefully just the birthday jitters  :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on August 10, 2007, 21:08:21 PM
If she has eaten grass she will be sick, mine do it all the time..........not sure if I am confused but if she is sick cos she ate grass, is there a problem with this?
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 11, 2007, 10:38:10 AM
The odd thing Gill was that she didn't bring up any grass at all, just the food, and if it was any other cat I wouldn't be bothered, but she had also brought up her breakfast, and with her recent history, sickness is just a worry full stop, never mind twice in one day. Gave her dry food for her supper, and she kept that down, then I realised she hadn't brought up any dry food at all yesterday, there was dark bits, but I suspect that is Lucys wet food, so she is now being fed upstairs so Tiger can't get at it!! She had a small amount of wet today with mainly dry, she wolfed the wet and has only picked at the dry!! Have given her some Antepsin that the vet gave me for her tummy, she didn't like it, but hopefully it will work.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Bazsmum on August 11, 2007, 13:57:21 PM
Aw she is having a rough time.... :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on August 12, 2007, 09:04:10 AM
Hope she has something to eat today Desley and keeps it down.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Gwen on August 12, 2007, 12:30:33 PM
If she has eaten grass she will be sick, mine do it all the time..........not sure if I am confused but if she is sick cos she ate grass, is there a problem with this?

Whenever my dogs eat grass they are sick.  I was always told though if a dog isn't well they eat grass inorder to be sick to make them better,don't know if this apply to cats as well and if theres any truth in it,my nan always says that grass is doggy medicine.

Hope Tiger is better soon Desley :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Bazsmum on August 12, 2007, 12:37:44 PM
Prob same with cats also....dos'nt it help with furballs etc  :)

My dog eats grass but is so greedy he wont even part with it  :shy:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 12, 2007, 15:49:11 PM
Fortunately she hasn't been sick again since, so am quite pleased. Have bought her white fish and chicken to help vary her diet, and trying some supermartket own brand to mix in with the sensitivity again (in case it is the higher meat content food that is doing it). She is back to demanding a lot of food again, I am just not too sure it is a positive thing, will have to see how her weight goes though, if she puts weight on with it, then fine, but if she loses weight while eating loads, then I need to be concerned again. Lucy is weighed on the 23rd, so will take her up too.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 15, 2007, 12:40:53 PM
WAs really pleased with her last night, she was back into demanding food big style, but keeping everything down and playing lots - I did say to my friend that I hoped her sudden change of character was a good thing. Have had to come home for lunch though, as she has been sick 3 times so far today, so am not going to give her any dinner, and either chicken or white fish for tea. Have got a provisional appointment for tonight for her, but she isn't dehydrated and I have anti-sickness meds in, so not sure whether to put her through the stress of the journey, and the fact we would be at the other branch, so a vet she has never seen before. Am waiting for my normal vet to finish operating so I can have a chat with her and decide what to do next. Have been trying to work out why she has been sick, I have introduced normal cat food to her sensitivity again, she had Morrisons own on Sun and was fine, Asda own yesterday and was fine, Whiskas today and has been sick. So, if it is the best case scenario and just a food intolerance, she can cope with some wet foods but not others. She doesn't bring dry up at all, but convincing her to eat a dry only diet is tricky. her limp has been a bit more pronounced, but it is normally after she has been sat/laid down for a while. So, please keep your fingers crossed this is just a temporary blip and not the start of something more serious.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: swampmaxmum on August 15, 2007, 13:08:02 PM
good luck with her. Why won't she stick to dry if it doesn't make her sick at all? Did she maybe get hungry and eat too much wet? Hope you can find and stick to one which stays down.
all the best.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Bazsmum on August 15, 2007, 20:06:36 PM
....not wanting to diss Whiskas here but i have a cat like that.....also the Whiskas dry she cannot tolerate  >:(

Id just stick to the ones you know she seems okay with just change the flavours....Good luck  ;)

Hope she manages to feel better soon  :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 15, 2007, 20:12:05 PM
Thanks - spoke to the vet who said to put her on the Antepsin for 3 days and see how she goes, which I have done. No idea why she is fussy with her dry - both girls love their dry food, yet try and give it to them with no wet food in sight, and they both refuse to eat it!! She has a choice of 4 dry foods at the moment, so at least she has variety. She can't have eaten too much wet, unless there was too much 'normal' food rather than sensitivity. Gave her white fish and biscuits for her tea, she keeps ignoring it but pestering for food!! It is worrying how much food she is asking for, I suspect it is connected with her thyroid level being out of sync. Neither vet has suggested meds though.
Ruth - I hope it is the Whiskas, although she was fine on both Morrisons and ASda own!! I dont feed Whiskas to my own cats, I was obviously distracted this morning, and gave her some of Lucy's food!! Mind you, she has also been sick off Nature's Menu, Almo Nature, Felix, and the RC sensitivity, so who knows what is making her sick!! I dont think she has ever brought up her dry though, which is odd. The other problem with sticking to things is that ideally I would stick to the RC sensitivity, but she gets fed up of it, and lets face it, it is so bland and only comes in 2 flavours that I can't blame her.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Christine (Blip) on August 15, 2007, 21:35:57 PM
So, please keep your fingers crossed this is just a temporary blip and not the start of something more serious.

I, of all people, will hope it is a blip.

Seriously, you know I do.  Keep us posted.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 16, 2007, 07:52:50 AM
Me too Christine, cos otherwise being sick 5 times in 5 days isnt a good sign. There isnt even any consistency with it either. If only I could convince her to eat purely dry, as she isn't sick off that. She is on her meds now though, she will hate me by the time they finish, esp as I have to catch her near her food bowl, it is the only way to do it with her. She didn't play at all last night, in fact, she barely came down, and when she did, all she wanted was food and then to go out (didn't let her out in case she was on the hunt for grass again).
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Bazsmum on August 16, 2007, 13:01:29 PM
Have you tried adding water to the dry? Maybe its the consistancy she dos'nt really like  ;)

Were all rooting for you Tiger  :Luv:

>Des we know how much Tiger has a special place in your heart  :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 16, 2007, 20:10:09 PM
Dont think it is that Ruth, she likes her JWB normally. She has been fussy again tonight, I am getting to the stage where I am going to have to decide whether to keep her on bland food so she is well, but put up with her seeming hungry yet not liking what you put down, or give her what I know she will wolf down, but potentially could make her sick - in which case she will still be asking for food as she will have an empty belly. She isn't that keen on fish or chicken, but they have both been microwaved, which is'nt normal. Not noticed much improvement on the Antepsin either. Going to get the small bags of JWB at weekend, so she can have a choice of flavours.
Another odd thing today was she decided not to stop at scratching the spare mattress, but to climb it as well (never tried it in all her time here) - sadly, she didn't get down as well, and has been limping ever since, it was a hell of a thud, not sure how much she jumped rather than slid. Here is a pic of the cheeky madam on the mattress!!

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b45/booktigger/Tigermattress.jpg)
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Bazsmum on August 16, 2007, 20:15:49 PM
Aw bless her she's beautiful  :Luv:

Prob better to stick to what you know she'l keep down otherwise im sure she'l become sore with all the chucking..... hope her leg isnt too painfull the poor baby  :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 16, 2007, 20:21:29 PM
That's where I have a prob though Ruth, she has even been sick on the sensitivity food, if I stop every food that has made her sick, there are very few options other than purely dry with chicken/white fish, but she only picks at that and demands food everytime you go in the kitchen, so obviously hungry on that option, and that isn't fair on her either.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on August 16, 2007, 23:47:09 PM
My birmans are often sick, although its often got grass or fur in!

They like Purina one but thats the one they bring up usually and when they eat Technical biscuits they dont seem to be sick. I am hoping that they will gradually eat more technical and forget purina, a;though sasa and misa like them.

Mine all have wet and dry and Misa likes to eat one mouth of wet then one mouth of dry  :rofl:

Obviously you are with Tiger all the time but I feel that maybe you should stick with one sort of food that she likes  and stop keep changing it cos it sounds like her system doesnt have a chance to get used to anything before its changed again. Maybe also she is not able to self determine how much she eats cos of the changes so will keep on eating till she is sick. I dont know what her history was but if she was a stray at sometime the demanding food all the time could be to do with that. Also if you dont feed her cos she gets sick then she will get very hungry and keep on eating , probably till she is sick again.

I may be wrong cos I lose track of time  :rofl:

I know that I have had visiting cats who have come and eaten lots of Kockas food and then gone outside and been sick immediately. the worst thing was when one came back and ate everything it had upchucked! Usually they were sick cos they had gobbled , eaten too much, it was new to them but they wanted the free meal. If the same cat came in again to steal it was always more careful in how much it ate, it educated itself   ;D
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 17, 2007, 07:47:52 AM
Gill, she has never been a stray, the reason for her demanding food all the time is because of her thryoid being suppressed due to whatever is making her ill, she is never sick on the days where I give in and feed her more, which is the odd part. Yet again this morning she only picked at her chicken, so gave in and gave her a mix of sensitivity wet and Morrisons own brand, and she tucked in and practically cleared the plate. The problem with sticking with food that she likes is that it has the potential to make her sick, she wont stick with the food that doesn't, or she gets fed up of it!! I am trying to work out what to feed her so she is happy but not sick. She has only been sick cos of eating too quickly once, and while she might not be able to self regulate her food, I do, and even when I give in to her, there is a minimum of a half hour period between servings so it isn't too much in one go.
The other worry, of course, is that she has had tummy issues for nearly 2 months now, but it initially manifested itself as diarrhea, she was rarely sick in the beginning, it has now turned round. Wish the vets hadn't told me that they couldn't rule out lymphoma despite the ultrasounds and bloods, I might not have been quite so worried. IF it is a simple food intolerance, I can't work that out either, as there is such a wide range of foods that have made her sick.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 18, 2007, 15:54:23 PM
WElll, have gone and bought loads of different dry food, she now has 3 flavours of JWB (she doesn't like the duck or it would be all 4!!), Perfect Fit Sensitive, which is Chicken, and Salmon ARden Grange, in the hope that a variety will be enough to keep her happy on mainly dry. She likes every flavour fortunately, so has eaten a decent amount of food today. Have stopped the Antepsin in case that is why she is quiet, and the vet told me to try her on MEtacam in case she had hurt her leg jumping down - if she had, she didn't realise, cos she did it again this morning, only she jumped down from about 5 foot, didn't have the sense to slide down more - so she is back to sitting in one place and barely moving!!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: swampmaxmum on August 18, 2007, 16:46:34 PM
Hi Desley, good luck with all the dry nosh. That's quite a selection! Hope the legs aren't too bad; they find it so easy to get up somewhere but always seem to forget they've got to come down....
I must've missed it before, sorry, I see you use Antepsin. Does it work well and does it have side effects? Does it make her feel sick or dopey then (as you say in case it made her quiet).  Hope all goes ok now you have her food sorted - hopefully.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 18, 2007, 16:55:16 PM
Cheers, we need some good news, things were looking bleak Wed and Thurs. Not sure about the Antepsin yet, she has only had it for a few days - it is 0.5ml twice a day, and as it is a white liquidy thing, I didn't think she would take it in food, so that could be why she was quiet, it isn't an amount you can do in one go (or I dont think anyway). Sadly, the tummy is only one issue, and she wont be 100% healthy even if we do have it sorted, but at the moment, the most worrying.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Bazsmum on August 18, 2007, 17:04:15 PM
Wishing you the very best of luck with the dry....wow what a selection  :wow: is there anyway you can put something (say a set of drawers) next to the matress in the hope that will be a shorter drop for her.....i can imagine her sat up the top feeling all proud lol!

 :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 18, 2007, 17:14:47 PM
I know, she is a spoilt little brat!! Sadly not, it is at the top of the stairs, there is a gap big enough for my pull along hoover to stand, then the door to the cat room. And if I put something solid there, she might actually do more damage to herself - although it might stop her, which would be the best option, as she does have arthritis in both her hips too, I dont want her doing too much landing on them!!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Bazsmum on August 20, 2007, 13:00:58 PM
Has Tiger managed to stay on the dry & keep her food down Des? Hope she has  ;)
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Ralph's mum (angie) on August 20, 2007, 15:09:38 PM
   :blow kiss:    How is Tiger today?????????
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 21, 2007, 07:31:33 AM
She hasn't been too happy on only dry, but was then picking at her sensitivity food over the weekend, and didnt like the idea of coley either!! So gave in last night and gave her some 'normal' cat food mixed with the sensitivity - she tucked into the cat food and ate round the sensitivity!!! But was then happy to eat purely dry for the rest of the night, so am going to try giving her 1/4 pouch morning and night, with dry the rest of the time - she tucked into the food so well this morning I felt a bit guilty, she hasn't tucked into a meal that well for a while. Her limp does seem to be worse - but she didn't eat her food with Metacam in it over the weekend, might try again tonight, now she is enjoying her food more.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: alisonandarchie on August 21, 2007, 09:45:19 AM
Hope all goes well with Tiger's eating today. :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Ralph's mum (angie) on August 21, 2007, 09:50:04 AM
 How is Tiger today, pleased to hear she had something she enjoyed yesterday    :fish:
Hows the limp, still the same, thinking of you all   :grouphug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Bazsmum on August 21, 2007, 20:45:47 PM
Fingers crossed the new combination of food will help  ;) :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 22, 2007, 07:40:12 AM
She seems happier with the small amount of wet food and the rest dry, she is much happier to eat the dry, esp when i give her a different flavour each time she asks. Still limping though. She is going to go with Lucy tomorrow to get weighed.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 25, 2007, 12:34:39 PM
Well, she seems happy with the small amount of wet food and the rest dry, am going to increase her wet next week and see how we go. She has put weight on, think it was just over 100g, so things are looking better. She is back to demanding food constantly. She is still limping though, I am away this weekend, so hopefully will see it in a fresh light and it might look like nothing.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Bazsmum on August 25, 2007, 17:30:24 PM
Aw great news Des.....prob still sore from her circus antics at the weekend.....bet your feeling abit releived about her eating (well keeping it down!)  :hug:

Have a nice weekend away when you go & im sure all will be fine when you get back  :Luv:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 28, 2007, 10:36:26 AM
She is still eating find and keeping it down - nearly 2 weeks since she was last sick, am very relieved, even if it does mean feeding supermarket own brands!! Will give her a bit longer, and then try and introduce higher quality back into her diet. Still limping, so I am debating whether it is worth putting her through the exploratory surgery, but if, as me and the vet suspect, it shows the worst case scenario, there is nothing we can do, so not sure it is worth putting her through it. She is relatively happy in herself, can never quite tell with her though, when she has her mad moments she is quite aggressive, so not sure if she is doing it cos she feels crap and it is her only release.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Bazsmum on August 29, 2007, 13:27:39 PM
....atleast she is giving you a good indication when she's not well in herself  :Luv:

Ive just had that dilemma myself.....wether to explore further and maybe just make matters worse.....really awful thing to have hanging over your head....if only they could speak to us  :Crazy:

Im sure only you will know if further investigation is worth while  :hug: :hug: :hug:

ps....i personally would not bother.....could only make matters worse  ;)
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: clarenmax on August 29, 2007, 13:39:25 PM
Sorry to hear there's still no clear-cut ideas of how to move forward with Tiger - as Ruth says, if only they could talk and tell us how they are feeling and where they are hurting.

Whatever you decide Desley I'm sure it will be the right option for her  :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 30, 2007, 07:48:38 AM
Seems like I spoke too soon, we have had a bad morning - she was acting weird this morning, really desperate for food to the stage she was getting aggressive. Then decided not to eat everything I gave her, and has been sick, plus there is some dodgy poo in the tray. I had increased the amount of wet food she had, so will try knocking that down again and hope it helps.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: JackSpratt on August 30, 2007, 09:15:54 AM
Oh no. Poor Tiger (and you! :hug:) Hope she's back on a level again soon.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: clarenmax on August 30, 2007, 09:36:16 AM
Sorry to hear that Desley  :hug: 
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Bazsmum on August 30, 2007, 11:52:06 AM
Is there any specific reason why you need to increase the wet?  :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 31, 2007, 07:54:46 AM
I am hoping she just ate too quickly, she is constantly demanding food again, and acting as though she hasn't eaten in days!!
Ruth - she is 14, so I dont like them having too much dry, and she wolfs her 1/4 pouch and demands more food, so would have preferred to fill her with more wet than dry, but obviously not an option at the moment.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Bazsmum on August 31, 2007, 12:07:00 PM
Oh if only a happy medium could be found  :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 01, 2007, 11:08:42 AM
I know!! She is constantly demanding food at the moment, and is trying to eat everyones food, but Molly and Lucy are on natures menu, whcih was too rich for her last time. I am going to get some Bozita later and try and mix small amounts in with her Asda Tiger, in the hope it will fill her up a bit more!!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on September 02, 2007, 09:51:53 AM
How's she doing this morning, Desley?
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 02, 2007, 12:34:29 PM
No sick or diarrhea, but she is in one of her odd moods where you can't even walk near her without her running off. Just got to see what happens with her limp now.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Bazsmum on September 05, 2007, 14:30:27 PM
Hope Tiger's keeping up the good work?  :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 06, 2007, 07:57:20 AM
Yeah, she has been able to eat Natures Menu and Bozita this week with little probs, so am really pleased. The limp is still there, so maybe it is something serious, but while she will eat and play and show interest in life I am going to leave it be, and deal with it when it does become an issue.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Bazsmum on September 06, 2007, 15:11:24 PM
Glad she's keeping the richer wet foods down....yeah i agree with you totally Des leave her alone while she is happy  :Luv:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 06, 2007, 19:18:53 PM
They had Asda Tiger for tea and she has been sick again - hopefully just cos she ate it too quick.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Bazsmum on September 06, 2007, 21:31:13 PM
 :hug: :hug: :hug:  :Crazy:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Felix (Caroline) on September 07, 2007, 16:09:08 PM
Poor Tiger give her my  :Luv:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Gwen on September 07, 2007, 16:27:47 PM
Hows Tiger doing today Desley? :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 07, 2007, 20:43:26 PM
Her usual demanding self, currently sat on the blanket in my bedroom - bought for me, but she seems to have taken it over!! She doesn't like the cat fleece, it has to be my fleecy blanket!! Whatever keeps her happy though, they deserve to be spoilt.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Gwen on September 08, 2007, 09:46:48 AM
Her usual demanding self, currently sat on the blanket in my bedroom - bought for me, but she seems to have taken it over!! She doesn't like the cat fleece, it has to be my fleecy blanket!! Whatever keeps her happy though, they deserve to be spoilt.

typical :rofl:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 10, 2007, 08:15:43 AM
Yep!!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: JackSpratt on September 11, 2007, 20:20:50 PM
Glad Tiger is doing OK, Desley. My cats do the same....whatever I seem to feel is useful, that's what they want! ;)
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 12, 2007, 08:03:53 AM
Me too - she is just being extra demanding for food at the moment!! She does get quite agitated about it though, which is odd.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 14, 2007, 21:50:36 PM
Picked the little madam up earlier, and she is seeming very heavy, so obviously putting weight on. So, she has been ignored when demanding food, as she obviously doesn't need as much as she has been getting!! Lucy is getting weighed on Thurs, I am tempted to take Tiger too.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Bazsmum on September 15, 2007, 09:28:27 AM
Sounds great Des....i'd also be tempted to take her in to see how much weight etc  ;)
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: alisonandarchie on September 15, 2007, 09:33:10 AM
Glad to hear that Tiger has got a healthy appetite... ;D
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Gwen on September 15, 2007, 12:22:17 PM
YAY exellent news :)

Keep us posted about how the weighing goes :)
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Felix (Caroline) on September 15, 2007, 14:37:59 PM
Glad she is eating  :Luv:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 15, 2007, 17:00:55 PM
I think I might Ruth, will have to see come Thurs. Am just relieved that things seem to be on an even keel now.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 21, 2007, 07:47:36 AM
She has put weight on, so apart from still demanding food, and the limp, she seems to be fine now.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Christine (Blip) on September 21, 2007, 07:53:08 AM
That sounds more like it   :)
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 21, 2007, 07:54:49 AM
It does, there is still a chance the limp is due to somethign serious, but while she continues like this, we shall leave it and see what happens, it could be the arthritis making her limp at the mo, but I have to take into consideration the fact she is 14 now, and not a good patient!!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Gwen on September 21, 2007, 10:26:35 AM
She has put weight on, so apart from still demanding food, and the limp, she seems to be fine now.

Exellent news :)
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Bazsmum on September 22, 2007, 00:48:27 AM
She has put weight on, so apart from still demanding food, and the limp, she seems to be fine now.

 :cheer:  Great news Des  :wow:   :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 18, 2007, 07:30:16 AM
Just found some blood in her poo, I hope this isn't the start of anything. Annoyingly, I gave her some fishy food this morning cos she has been doing so well, she hasn't had that since she started being poorly, so I hope that isn't going to make her sick!! She does still have a limp, but it isn't bothering her much, in fact she is playing with toys she has never bothered with, and of her own accord, so seeming well in herself.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: alisonandarchie on October 18, 2007, 12:15:36 PM
Fingers crossed that everytning will be alright. :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: clarenmax on October 18, 2007, 12:20:04 PM
Hopefully its nothing Desley as she's happy in herself
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Bazsmum on October 18, 2007, 14:42:03 PM
Aw bless...I was wondering how Tiger was getting on.....hopefully its just her food tolerance....if it is down to that I hope the up-chucks arnt to follow  ;) :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Millys Mum on October 18, 2007, 20:08:58 PM
Not knowing the cause of her limp it may not help but i put lola on cosequin 2 weeks ago as she seemed abit stiff and shes zooming around like a spring kitten now  ;D
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 18, 2007, 20:18:50 PM
WEll, she hasn't been sick, so it mustn't be the tuna food that does it, and has been playing with balls of her own accord again, which is unusual for her.
MM, we dont know if her limp is either just chronic inflammation, or a tumour, or even just her arthritic hips so reluctant to put her on meds really.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on October 19, 2007, 07:19:05 AM
Glad at least that she's still playful, which is a good sign.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 19, 2007, 07:27:22 AM
Yeah, it is, that limp obviously doesn't bother her.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on October 19, 2007, 07:32:06 AM
My Hubby's like that too Desley - walks with a limp but still enjoys a kickabout with the football with Tess   :)
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: JackSpratt on October 19, 2007, 10:19:22 AM
Hope Tiger keeps enjoying her play times,Desley and the limp continues to not affect her. :)
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Bazsmum on October 19, 2007, 17:10:53 PM
....Maybe Tiger's just happy your back of your hols  ;)
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 19, 2007, 21:38:42 PM
She is still playful, was talking to my mum on Wed night, and apparently Tiger let her stroke her for ages when she popped in one day - she hasn't done that with me, but has been her usual demanding self, every time I go into the kitchen she wants food, and if I go next door and leave my front door open, I find her sat on the doorstep miaowing!! So at least playing is better than that!!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 30, 2007, 07:36:26 AM
She was limping more last night, and brought up all her food, there was a bit of a furball in it, so hopefully that is all it was, but I didn't have a good feeling last night. She was in an odd mood though, not wanting to go out, and being really skittish. Nothing more overnight (although that isn't surprising as I wouldnt give in and give her more wet food), and she has gone out this morning, so no guarantees she hasn't been sick again.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on October 30, 2007, 07:38:29 AM
Will keep my fingers crossed Desley.  Hoping it was just the hairball. 
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 30, 2007, 07:41:28 AM
Thanks.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Felix (Caroline) on October 30, 2007, 10:51:37 AM
Will be keeping mine crossed for you too! :Luv:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: clarenmax on October 30, 2007, 11:36:36 AM
Will be keeping mine crossed for you too! :Luv:

And me  :Luv:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: JackSpratt on October 30, 2007, 11:52:36 AM
Hoping there's no serious problems, Desley.  :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 30, 2007, 22:42:41 PM
She had actually been sick last night as well, just not somewhere I immediately noticed this morning. She has been funny tonight, gave her NM and she barely touched it. I hope it isn't the start of more issues, but at least I still have some RC Sensitivity food in.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 01, 2007, 08:23:10 AM
She is still being rather quiet, and liking to go and eat grass after food. Think I will put a call into my vet today, not 100% happy with Tiger, she was limping a bit last night, and was grumpy with the fosters for hte first time in a while (she has been very tolerant of them, that surprised me too), fortunately I have Metacam, sensitivity food and anti-sickness meds in from previously.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Christine (Blip) on November 01, 2007, 10:46:24 AM
Keep us posted, Desley.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Felix (Caroline) on November 01, 2007, 11:31:50 AM
Sending lots of love and hugs to you both :Luv:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on November 01, 2007, 12:21:11 PM
Sending a gentle ear rub her way Desley.  Poor old girl  :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Bazsmum on November 01, 2007, 13:42:31 PM
Aw bless her Des....eating the grass after meals does suggest she has maybe furball issues...and we all know how grumpy we can get when uncomfortable...I hope this passes quickly for the little love  :hug: :hug: ;)
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 01, 2007, 22:02:49 PM
Vet has recommended Metacam to see how her limp goes, am goign to start that tomorrow, and also Katalax for a few days (she is on the maintenance dose of once a week at the mo) to see if that helps her tummy. She has been playing tonight, so that limp doesn't bother her half as much as it does me!! OBviously the fact the limp is still there isn't the best of signs, but without putting her through exploratory surgery, there is nothing really teh vet can do, except hope anti-inflams work (although the last time she had MEtacam, it made the limp worse, so she hasn't had it since).
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Bazsmum on November 01, 2007, 23:13:46 PM
Fingers crossed for finding the "happy medium" for her  ;) :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: alisonandarchie on November 01, 2007, 23:13:56 PM
Hope the drugs help, it sounds good thatTiger was playing :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 02, 2007, 07:55:38 AM
Thanks - she is very nasty this morning, I didn't even get a few seconds of nose stroking before she went for me. She has Metacam in her food - that she decided not to eat all of, and will have more Katalax when I Get home (dont want to give her both at the same time of day, in case I upset her).
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 16, 2007, 07:54:35 AM
After talking to a friend last night, I think Tiger's current limp is her arthritic hips, as it is worse after she has been sat or sleeping for a period of time. Think I might look into some supplements, but when I put Metacam in her food, she doesn't always want to eat it, so she might do the same whatever I give her.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Bazsmum on November 16, 2007, 12:22:19 PM
Aw the poor hun....arthritus is quite a sore condition so I suppose that's her reason for her nasty outbursts....I do hope she will take to getting the metacam in her system... :hug:

Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Rosella moggy on November 16, 2007, 13:01:05 PM
the last time she had MEtacam, it made the limp worse, so she hasn't had it since.

Desley are you sure it was the metacam made her limp worse?  Our Tom reacts very well with Metacam and licks it direct off 2 large pieces of dry catfood as if it is his treat. Have you got the cat or dog metacam? Tom was fine with both but I find it much easier having the cat metacam to avoid giving too much. It is for his arthritis in back legs. I can tell it still works as occasionally I forget and find Tom lying on his side in unusual places like middle of kitchen floor  :(
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Millys Mum on November 16, 2007, 17:02:55 PM
Des, i think i mentioned it a few pages back but look into Cosequin, it really seems to work and is tasteless. Thats the reason i chose it as the other brands didnt mention anything  :shify: Lola is a fussy madam who knows instantly when her grub has been baited but not with this  :evillaugh:


Cat metacam is worse if you have a cat who doesnt like the taste as theres more of it! Taz adores the stuff and would happily drink a pint  :rofl:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 16, 2007, 20:51:40 PM
Rosella - I would have to check back the thread for timings, but when she initially went on it, her limp went from occasionally to constantly, it could just be coincidence though, but made me reluctant to give it to her.
Thanks MM, I shall look into that, as I would like her to have something for the arthritis - she didn't used to be fussy over her MEtacam, silly little girl!!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Christine (Blip) on November 17, 2007, 17:10:11 PM
Desley, would she fall for the Primula cheese and ham spread Mickey Finn trick?  I know you saw that Blip is taking her Cosequin readily like that - although, unlike MMs Lola, she wouldnt eat her normal food when I stirred Cosequin in.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 17, 2007, 18:03:26 PM
Probably, just need to get round to ordering something for her. It is normally Molly who is fussy with food, not Tiger!! My sis came round yesterday, and Tiger was growling at her, which she has never done before, although allowed 6 strokes from the lady who came to pick Bella up, which is impressive for her - and seh warned rather than just swiped when she had had enough.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Maddiesmum on November 17, 2007, 18:39:36 PM
Hi Desley,

Have been reading your thread about Tiger and am really sorry to hear what is going on.  Has she been tested for pancreatitis?  My cat was diagnosed with it after a year of being sick and demanding food all the time (though I have to say he didn't put weight on).  She might be aggressive cos her tummy is sore (he was sometimes)?  It may not be the answer but might be worth talking to your vet about?  ANyway I am sure you must be worried out of your mind I am thinking about you and the lovely Tiger.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 17, 2007, 18:46:22 PM
Dont think pancreatitis is one of the things she has been tested for - she has had bloods, and an ultrasound of her tummy done - it was mentioned for one of my cats last year, and it is something that is very hard to test for, there isnt'a  test over here, what did your vet do for a diagnosis. Her tummy is fine now though, just teh demanding food, and if she is sick, it is generally hairball related when I haven't been as good with teh Katalax. I think it is more likely to be her leg/hips that make her aggressive. I have been worried out of my mind most of the year with her, I am just praying at the mometn she sees X Mas, as I know there is a change the limp is her leg, and we still dont know if it is cancerous or not. i generally have one healthy cat and one sickly cat though, so in one way I am used to it, it is somethign you have to expect by taking on oldies.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: CurlyCatz on November 17, 2007, 20:23:05 PM
Thats right there isnt a specific test but diagnosis is usually made from combining blood results with symtoms and other diagnostics.

Also although it can be chronic and perhaps actually seem to go away many cats who get it (not all that often) are acutely and seriously ill with gaurded prognosis.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Teresa Pawcats on November 17, 2007, 20:28:14 PM
There is a reliable test available for Pancreatitis but the blood sample has to be sent to America, just had one done on one of mine.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: CurlyCatz on November 17, 2007, 20:45:04 PM
Thats great to know T  :)

Maybe tan should put that info on the list so future members needing to know about it can advise their vets who may or may not know about it yet  :)
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Teresa Pawcats on November 17, 2007, 20:59:43 PM
Good idea Lynn because it is fairly new, I know Andy had to do a little research about it.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: CurlyCatz on November 17, 2007, 21:06:33 PM
I'll draw it to her attention, unless you have already ?

Poor Tan must be rushed off her feet with the xmas cards etc  :innocent:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Teresa Pawcats on November 17, 2007, 21:20:04 PM
Will let you do it Lynn if you dont mind.
Many thanks
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: CurlyCatz on November 17, 2007, 21:24:49 PM
Done

This is one of the things i love about purrs, we can gather such a large vault of information for each other and able to pass that on  :Luv:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Maddiesmum on November 17, 2007, 22:02:11 PM
I don't know where my vet sent the bloods off to for analysis but it did take a while to get the result.  My vet said he never even thought of pancreatitis because it is not common in cats and in all his years of practice Dragan is the first cat he ever came across who had it.

Dragan has chronic pancreatitis and it is managed with an enzyme powder added to his food.  Additionally he has lactulose (as he gets constipated) and Zantic to combat the acid.  he occasionally gets an off day when he is sick but I am now used to the symptoms and can manage it.  However when he raided the bin and ate the netting from the joint this set off a really bid attack for which he was hospitalised.

Good luck to Tiger and I hope you can get some answers soon.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 18, 2007, 10:20:26 AM
Yeah, I did know about the pancreatitis test, I didn't make my first post clear, I meant no reliable test in the UK, my vet did tell me about teh America one last year as it was a suspicion with Pebbles.
I am going to try and book Tiger in to the vets this week, her breathing has seemed noisy a couple of times, and i know I am probably just being paranoid and it is just cos I have irritated her by stroking her too much, but I would rather pay my vet to tell me I am paranoid than ignore it, esp with her history.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Teresa Pawcats on November 18, 2007, 11:59:36 AM
Sending lots of healing positive vibes your way  :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 18, 2007, 12:01:31 PM
Thanks T.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Maddiesmum on November 18, 2007, 17:30:55 PM
Good luck Desley, you are not paranoid just caring and sensible to get everything checked out as it occurs and not leave things to accumulate until they are untreatable.  Good luck and keep us posted.  Hug for Tiger x
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 18, 2007, 17:32:59 PM
I dont think Tiger would agree, am sure she would much rather not have had quite so many vet visits this year!! She has been very odd this afternoon, mixture of crazy, aggressive, and still this hunger issue - my sis opened a bag of crisps and haven't seen tiger run so quickly in ages!!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Maddiesmum on November 18, 2007, 18:29:29 PM
I know what you mean about vets visits.  Dragan will be on  his 19th in 6 weeks tomorrow.  He hates me.  If I put my shoes on he runs, if I shut the catflap he runs, if someone knocks on the door he runs (in case it's my neighbour who comes with me sometimes), if I shut the lounge door, he runs, if I shut doors upstairs, he runs.  He is constantly vigilant to see if there is any sign that he might be going in that hated basket.  Hopefully tomorrow will be his last visit so he will settle down HOPEFULLY I say!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 18, 2007, 18:59:53 PM
Aww, bless him. Tiger wasn't that bad, but we were there once a week for quite a few weeks!!!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Millys Mum on November 19, 2007, 12:02:40 PM
I know what you mean about vets visits.  Dragan will be on  his 19th in 6 weeks tomorrow.  He hates me.  If I put my shoes on he runs, if I shut the catflap he runs, if someone knocks on the door he runs (in case it's my neighbour who comes with me sometimes), if I shut the lounge door, he runs, if I shut doors upstairs, he runs.  He is constantly vigilant to see if there is any sign that he might be going in that hated basket.  Hopefully tomorrow will be his last visit so he will settle down HOPEFULLY I say!

Horrible isnt it, my Taz does that for weeks after a vet trip, even if it wasnt him that went!  :( Makes me feel terrible, dashing behind the sofa everytime i move  :(
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Maddiesmum on November 19, 2007, 12:50:09 PM
It's really hurtful isn't it?  He ducks away from me as if I bash him!  Anyway today wasn't his last visit has to go tomorrow week for a top up on his antibiotics so hopefully (so long as he is well) he will have an 8 day break.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Maddiesmum on November 19, 2007, 15:40:23 PM
Sorry Desley just realised I have hijacked your thread a bit.  How is TIger today?
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 19, 2007, 19:02:16 PM
Well, she has an app for 5.20 tomorrow, and am very glad as i came home tonight to some red poo in the tray - I am hoping as it is bright red that it isn't too bad. She seems fine in herself, but still in a skittish mood.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Teresa Pawcats on November 19, 2007, 21:01:05 PM
Hope you manage to get things sorted. Sendings positive vibes for tomorrow. :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on November 19, 2007, 21:05:35 PM
Good luck tomorrow   :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on November 19, 2007, 21:17:28 PM
Fingers crossed for tomorrow
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Maddiesmum on November 19, 2007, 22:07:13 PM
Will be thinking about you tomorrow please keep us updated (though I am sure I don't need to ask).  Big hug to you and Tiger too
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: pappilon on November 19, 2007, 22:43:37 PM
Good luck for tommorow. :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 20, 2007, 07:52:03 AM
Thanks, I Really do hope this is nothing
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: clarenmax on November 20, 2007, 10:06:06 AM
Good luck for later x
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Felix (Caroline) on November 20, 2007, 13:01:02 PM
Good luck with your visit today, will have to go the vets myself soon xx
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 20, 2007, 19:26:59 PM
Not the best news, her hip is worse, and we are running out of options for pain control, and if we can't control it, I might have to make a decision. Off my head, I think she has had Metacam, steroids (although that was for her tummy, but it didn't help her limp either), cartrophen, and we are now trying Rimadyl. Ultimately though, even if the Rimadyl does work, I know I am only buying her time, as we still dont know if the leg is cancerous, and she does still have 2 arthritic hips.
Her chest fortunately sounds clear (although the vet worried me by how long she listened for!!). And the vet has recommended Katalax/Lactulose for a few days due to the blood in the tray, she has already had Katalax for the past few days. I am concerned about how crazy she is getting over food though.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Maddiesmum on November 20, 2007, 20:50:00 PM
Poor you and poor Tiger.  I hope the Rimadyl will give her a measure of relief, it does with Dragan and I hope that things turn out better than they look.  Please keep us posted Desley.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 21, 2007, 07:53:05 AM
I hope it does too, she did have a bad evening yesterday, hopefully that was just discomfort after being pulled by the vet. She has turned into a fussy eater though, she didn't like NM last night despite eating it in the morning, so gave her some Asda Tiger Senior today, and she has chosen to go and eat grass instead. She will also only eat JWB dry, not touching anything else - but is constantly asking for food, then just doesn't want what you give her. I need to ring up today as I forgot to ask 2 things - how long it will take to see an improvement, and what the potential side effects are. I have a feeling we haven't got a lot of time left though, she is a nightmare to get meds into, I am not fighting with her every other day to get meds into her, to me, that impacts on her quality of life, and every other med I have put in her food she has twigged after a couple of meals, so we shall see if she does the same with Rimadyl.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Maddiesmum on November 21, 2007, 19:55:44 PM
Dragan is a little so and so when it comes to his meds.  I have tried various things, spread cheese, he loves that and I can crush his tabs and get them down him sometimes; mixing it well with tuna; squeezing the gravy out of a pouch and mixing it with that.  Always have to crush every pill he has though.  Good luck with it, and hope Tiger's feeling better
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on November 21, 2007, 20:09:31 PM
Quote
she didn't like NM last night despite eating it in the morning, so gave her some Asda Tiger Senior today, and she has chosen to go and eat grass instead. She will also only eat JWB dry, not touching anything else - but is constantly asking for food, then just doesn't want what you give her

We have this problem with Paddy too, Desley.  Our vet puts it down to old age, but I don't know.  Paddy was diagnosed with a tumour two weeks ago.  Nothing we can do about it, but I can't help wondering if it's why one minute he eats like a small horse, then the next asks for food but nothing tempts his appetite.  Not that I think that's likely to be the cause of Tiger's problem, but just interested that it's something you have problems with too.  Wish I had some answers for you.  :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: JackSpratt on November 21, 2007, 23:10:52 PM
Hoping Tiger is doing OK today, Desley. :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 22, 2007, 07:56:54 AM
So sorry to hear about Paddy Sue, I do hope you have some good times together. I think hers might be due to feeling poorly - she had ultrasounds back in teh summer and showed no signs of tumours, although both vets warned there was still a possibility of it, as there was one that wouldnt show up (but her tummy is fine).
I lost teh battle of wills this morning for the meds, she has been in an odd mood since I Got home last night, has a bit of a crazed look about her and keeps running round - including running away from me, I had to chase her for her meds this morning, then she went bonkers, spat it out and sat on it, so I had no chance, and when she moved, I had another go, but she hid under the table and just kept swiping at me, so I gave up - the other worrying part is getting her so stressed her breathing sounds bad. She isn't eating all her wet food either, so I can't even crush it and mix it iwth that. Looks like she might have made the decision about Rimadyl - which I am glad after reading a few articles yesterday.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Maddiesmum on November 22, 2007, 07:59:59 AM
Oh dear Desley Tiger sounds a feisty little mite despite her problems. 
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 22, 2007, 08:05:01 AM
She is, and that is what causes us so many problems, there are options there, but she isn't the kind of cat we can do things with - just for an x-ray, we had to knock her out after sedating her!!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on November 22, 2007, 08:22:43 AM
Thanks Desley.  Am enjoying what we have.  It's all been a bonus anyway, since his stroke, and he surprised us all then, so it would be great if he could see the spring come.

She's fiercely independent is Tiger, bless her.  I agree - if she's stressed, it's not worth battling with her over it.    :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 22, 2007, 08:24:40 AM
Am glad to hear htat - I think we need a special thread for Paddy so we can all see him and send our hugs. I hope he sees the spring.

She is, but aggressive with it, and that is the problem!! I dont mind independent cats, but it is the teeth and claws that come with her I dont like!! IT isn't, as it will impact on her quality of life. I hope we can control things to see X Mas, but not sure at the moment.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on November 22, 2007, 08:28:04 AM
Will keep everything crossed for you Desley.  If anyone can help her, you will.

Suspect there's a few pensioners in care homes and hospitals around the country that wish they had teeth and claws to employ from time to time....  (mind you, I reckon a goodly few of them probably manage the odd revolt from time to time, bless 'em!)
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Maddiesmum on November 23, 2007, 07:37:24 AM
How' TIger doing today Desley?
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on November 23, 2007, 07:40:01 AM
Yes, been thinking about her.   :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: JackSpratt on November 23, 2007, 11:15:18 AM
I've been wondering how she is too Desley - and you! How're you coping? :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Dawn F on November 23, 2007, 11:21:14 AM
Desley I've just seen this, I hope you're coping ok
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 23, 2007, 18:21:58 PM
Sorry, have been shattered recently, so took a day off work and have only just come on the PC - have to say I am still shattered but did have a nice time with 3 cats on the bed!!

Had to speak to the vet again as she had more poo's with blood in it, and the vet said as she isn't taking the Rimadyl and not eating enough wet food to get meds into her that way, we have exhausted all the medical routes now. Sar has kindly sourced me a magnetic collar, and I am going to try a covered hot water bottle later, that does depend on where she sits though!! Have told vet about both, she isn't sure either will work, but no harm in trying. WE are giving her hte weekend to see how her tum is, but it could be related to the pain. She is still on Katalax, although getting that down her was iffy last night, she was in a temper, and was swiping at everything - she has calmed down today, but was still running round like a crazed thing last night, and when she did look nice and relaxed on the stairs, I went to stroke her, and she went to go for me!!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on November 23, 2007, 18:36:09 PM
Hmmm.  Feisty as ever then?

She doesn't want to be messed with at all, does she?  Poor little lass.  In these situatio9ns, is good to have time with three cats on the bed!    :) :)
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 23, 2007, 18:40:18 PM
Oh yes!! Was very surprised she let me put the new collar on her earlier!! If I can figure out which of the three beds she is goign to use, I can attempt the hot water bottle!!
No, she really doesn't, so pretty much going to stop trying now. Vet did mentino injections, but it isn't something I would attempt on her, and she can't go up every couple of days for them, she hates going, so the stress would be an issue. I also have issues with visits that often for a long term issue, to me you have to start looking at their quality of life then.
She was the only one not on the bed this morning, although she was in the same room for part of the time. Sadly her and Rolo had a fight this afternoon (both wanted the same bed!!).
Sorry I missed the questions about me before!! I feel that we are on borrowed time now, so just have to spend as much time as I can with her (which is hard as she doesn't like that!!), and have put off getting new fosters tomorrow.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on November 23, 2007, 18:44:20 PM
No, I agree about that.  Again, it's all about quality of life. 

Hey, well done for getting a new collar on her though!   :sneaky   I 'spect she thought it was secretly rather smart, so she let you (graciously!)   I also 'spect she really likes to have you near Desley, but some cats just would die rather than let it show.   :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 23, 2007, 18:47:54 PM
It is, and I am still weighing hers up at the mo.
I was impressed, esp as she was sat on her bed on the windowsill, so had her face to me. Don't think i have been able to do anything else wiht her though, the only other time she has been near me has been when she is hungry - then she will touch you of her own accord, but only then. My friend sent a lovely parcel full of food and toys, so am going to try one with her later. I wonder with her, cos when I am sat on the other sofa with a cat on me, she will look at us lots, but if I try and sit on the same sofa as her, she doesn't like it. So i sit on the floor and look at her instead!!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Maddiesmum on November 25, 2007, 07:53:16 AM
Hi Desley

How's Tiger doing?
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 25, 2007, 08:43:47 AM
We didnt have a good day yesterday, she refused point blank to take her Katalax, which is a first, then Rolo tried to sniff her tail so they had a fight (I suspect she started it, as Zia growled at him this morning and he ignored her, and she is known to pick fights) and when I went to give her her last fuss last night, I realised she wasn't purring. So will have to keep an eye on that, but if she doesn't start purring again, that is a really bad sign. She hasn't eaten this morning, she preferred to go outside.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Maddiesmum on November 25, 2007, 08:48:30 AM
Oh dear it is so stressful isn't it.  Hope she eats something and behaves herself today.  Tiger - Katalax is lovely!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 25, 2007, 09:05:22 AM
It is. She normally takes her Katalax straight from the tube, but woudlnt last night, the little madam.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on November 26, 2007, 07:04:29 AM
How's Tiger this morning Desley?
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 26, 2007, 07:43:20 AM
WEll, I found a pouch of Asda Tiger adult in from last time she was poorly, so she is tucking in at the moment. She was sick last night though, and only took a small amount of Katalax - she was very moody last night, she wanted to go out again at 9 and wasnt happy at me refusing to let her out!!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on November 26, 2007, 07:59:39 AM
Glad she's having something.  Paddy often responds well to the Tiger tins from Asda but will only eat it when it's first opened.  If it's been in the fridge (even after it's warmed up to room temp) or stood on the bench with clingfilm as a lid, he won't  touch it.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 26, 2007, 08:01:46 AM
Me too - when I picked her up, her owner gave me her leftover food which was Asda Tiger wet and dry (but she can't tolerate cheap dry foods, they make her sick), so she is obviously used to it - would prefer her to have better quality, but at the moment, at least she is eating.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on November 26, 2007, 08:06:48 AM
My philosophy too, Desley - it seems to smell strongly, so don't know if that's why - although having said that, Paddy won't touch mackerel or sardines, and they're quite whiffy.....
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 26, 2007, 08:11:17 AM
I have a suspicion I dont have a lot of it in though - hope I dont have to go back to Asda, already been once this week!!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Maddiesmum on November 26, 2007, 08:37:50 AM
Great that TIger has eaten and had some Katalax (even just a weeny bit) also wanting to go out.  She does seem to have a strong mind of her own.  Well done Tiger, keep it up
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 26, 2007, 21:27:49 PM
She has barely eaten again tonight, and is hiding so I haven't attempted to give her Katalax tonight. She had a runny eye before she hid, she let me briefly touch it with tissue and stroke her nose twice, and then has ignored me. She has an appointment for Fri unless she gets worse. I can't see how she is happy at the moment.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on November 27, 2007, 07:00:29 AM
Bless her, Desley.  How's she this morning?
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 27, 2007, 07:43:27 AM
Being odd, she wouldn't let me touch her again this morning - she hadn't finished her food overnight, so have had to raid Rolo's biscuits to give her a different flavour!!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on November 27, 2007, 07:45:28 AM
Hmmm.  Living up to her name again, I see!  Sending some positive vibes your way Desley.  Hope you can get something into her today.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 27, 2007, 07:49:15 AM
Oh yes!! I am sure I will, she has been given Asda Tiger SEnior and was tucking in till the fishy JWB was put down!!
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Maddiesmum on November 27, 2007, 12:46:11 PM
Little madam!  Do you think she may be avoiding you touching her in case you take her to the nasty vet?  Dragan does this sometimes.  It is so difficult trying to get them to have the stuff that is good for them when they refuse point blank to co-operate.  Hope she has enjoyed her breakfast and will carry on eating well today.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 28, 2007, 07:53:05 AM
Either that or she is thinking I am going to put a tablet down her throat!!
Didnt' have a good night last night, I Was out for a couple of hours and came back to lots of odd looking sick on the kitchen floor, she is being picky with her food again this morning, although happy to eat dry. We have a vet app on Fri, but if she is sick once more, I shall ask them to move it forward for me. I thought she was being nice last night and coming to sit with me, but just growled at me until I moved and sat on the floor (she never sits on my sofa, she has one of her own), so I am not sure how happy she truly is at the moment, if my plan doesnt work when we go to the vets on Fri, I might have to have a long, hard think.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Maddiesmum on November 28, 2007, 18:28:19 PM
Sorry she has been sick again Desley.  Hope she manages to eat and keep it down tonight
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 28, 2007, 20:23:56 PM
Have had to have her to the vets tonight, vet now suspects a viral infection and slight dehydration on top of everything else, so she has had a steroid and a/b jab, and see how she goes, but she isn't a happy girl at the moment - been better since the vet visit, she had a few mins of play and eaten a bit more, but realistically, it is the only good time she has had this week, so if there is no major improvement by Fri, that app will be her last.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: pappilon on November 28, 2007, 20:33:39 PM
Desley i really hope she feels better by friday. I keep my finger crossed for her and you. :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 28, 2007, 20:38:29 PM
Thanks - the only problem is taking her every 3 days for jabs isn't an option (she didn't like the weekly jabs earlier in the year), so I dont really know what is going to happen, think I am hoping for a non-existent miracle to be honest, all I am doing at the moment is buying her time, and not sure if it is best for her, although I hate times like this when you have manageable conditions in any other cat except the ones I happen to own, I know it wont stop me helping oldies - vet did her usual 'why can't you get a nice kitten', but as I said to her, they aren't the ones who need me, the oldies like Tiger are. The vet reminded me again that we have limited options, she said that painkilling injections prob wouldnt work due to the fact that Metacam made her limp worse.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: JackSpratt on November 28, 2007, 20:57:43 PM
Desley, whatever you do for Tiger it will most definately be for the best. You do an amazing job with the OAPs and you should be really proud.

Fuss to Tiger.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 28, 2007, 21:53:27 PM
Thanks JS, I dont think I am being fair on her buying her time now, as that is all I am doing, I have just popped down to sort something out, she miaowed at me and wandered into the kitchen after me for food, but still had some tea down, and didn't tuck into it, and I can't see her continue to be miserable. At least I know now I have given her every chance, and as the vet says, it seems like she doesn't want us to medicate her, and without her co-operation, it isn't fair to leave her unhappy and in pain, I love her too much for that, and however hard it is, I have to do what is best for her, not for me. Thanks, I suppose I am really - she would have been pts 15 months ago if they hadn't been able to find someone to take her, so at least she has had that time, and known love and affection that I think she missed out on, and we have tried so many things for her.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Liz on November 28, 2007, 23:25:44 PM
Des sometimes they tell us when they are ready to go and it sounds like Tiger has nearly decided its time and yes it will break your heart, have you in floods of tears and you will with a heavy heart find someone who needs you as she does.

Its seems to be the way of the world and our thoughts are with you at this time my only advice is love her on her terms and remeber that she has had a great time with you and thats what its all about. :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Maddiesmum on November 29, 2007, 06:45:32 AM
Sorry to hear the news about Tiger isn't so good.  I am sure you will do whatever you feel is right for her and whatever happens Desley she is lucky she had you in her life for recent past.  Good luck to you both :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on November 29, 2007, 07:13:25 AM
Difficult decision Desley, but am thinking of you both and sending  :hug: your way.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 29, 2007, 07:54:17 AM
Thanks guys, this is the bit I dont like about owning oldies, but imo it is the most impoortant, you have to be able to put them first, and if you can't, you aren't being fair to them. I have always known that if either Tiger or Molly got a condition that meant daily medication I wouldn't be able to do it to them and I would have to let them go sooner, but it still doesn't help much when it comes down to it. I have some nice food in that I was saving, but she will have that for the next couple of days, and she is allowing me to stroke her a bit more now, so she will have as much as she will tolerate.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on November 29, 2007, 07:56:27 AM
my heart goes out to you Desley.   Really, it's so hard.  Am glad she's letting you stroke her.  She knows you love her.  She may be tricky and feisty and prickly, but she knows you love her.  And she loves you too, otherwise you wouldn't even get near, not once.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on November 29, 2007, 08:09:02 AM
Poor Tiger and poor you, it really is an agonising decision to have to make as you know but one that can't be made with our feelings in mind, we have to put the cats first which I know you always do  :hug: Tiger has received more love and affection in her time with you than she probably had her whole life.  Hope she enjoys her special food  :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 29, 2007, 08:16:14 AM
Thanks - I wish I could get a cat where it was clear cut, and you knew instantly when it is best, not the ones I get where it is hard to work out when is best for them. I will be staying at only one cat for a while, need to sort my finances out first, but I do have a long term foster (Who will have to help Molly eat the food, we have over 100 pouches and about 12kg of biscuits in the house!!), and 2 other fosters, so got some needy cats in to help me through this.
Surprisingly, she didn't wolf it all, although that could have been me walkign into the kitchen that stopped her, she is currently back in a normal place, she was sat on a sofa she normally ignores yesterday.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: clarenmax on November 29, 2007, 09:30:00 AM
Sorry the news isn't better Desley, but I will be praying for a miracle for Tiger.

We all know that you will do whatever is best for her :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Teresa Pawcats on November 29, 2007, 10:16:46 AM
Desley I am so sorry that Tiger is not showing signs of getting better. You have given her a loving home and done everything possible to keep her comfortable. I guess in your heart of hearts you feel that her quality of life has deteriorated to the point that you will need to make the decision to give that final act of love.
Thinking of you  :hug:
xT
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Christine (Blip) on November 29, 2007, 13:55:08 PM
Desley, thinking of you and offering support  :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Bazsmum on November 29, 2007, 15:18:34 PM
Des Im backing all that's been said and hoping that comfort comes to you both  :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Dawn F on November 29, 2007, 15:31:52 PM
Desley this is such a hard thing but you know your girl and only you know what is best for her hugs
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Millys Mum on November 29, 2007, 21:11:33 PM
Sorry to hear this   :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on November 30, 2007, 07:42:32 AM
Morning Desley.  Just to say am thinking of you both this morning.   :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 30, 2007, 07:47:35 AM
Thanks everyone - she didn't have much interest in her tea last night, in fact, it took me 20 mins to get her in the kitchen long enough to sniff it, she kept going outside. She is eating, but only bits, nowhere near like she does normally, and still has this obsession about going out - normally to find grass to be sick. I really dont want this vet visit tonight, but the alternative is leaving her unhappy and putting off the inevitable, and I cant do that either.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on November 30, 2007, 07:52:25 AM
When Paddy's off colour (usually directly after a vet visit) he likes to go outside into his garden.  I've always firmly believed in the healing power of nature.  I know it can't work miracles, but I think sometimes it soothes them when they're feeling stressed.  Hoping that whatever happens today, you and Tiger will be of one mind.  :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: JackSpratt on November 30, 2007, 10:48:52 AM
Hi Desley. Just remembered your vet visit was this morning. I hope the vet can help Tiger, but if not I hope you cope OK. :hug: Thinking of you.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: tab on November 30, 2007, 15:06:35 PM
 :hug: :hug: to you and Tiger
love
Tab
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Susanne (urbantigers) on November 30, 2007, 15:21:19 PM
I'm sorry that Tiger isn't getting any better, Desley  :hug: 
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Maddiesmum on November 30, 2007, 15:37:18 PM
Good luck at the vets tonight Desley and TIger, hope there is something they can do to improve your wellbeing. :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Gwen on November 30, 2007, 17:08:25 PM
Thinking of you both :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Gillian Harvey on November 30, 2007, 17:19:04 PM
I'm so sorry Desley that I've not been keeping up with Tiger's progress, but just to let you know I'm thinking of you and Tiger today.  :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Jasmine on November 30, 2007, 17:38:25 PM
Hope it's not sad news...

 :hug:

Jas
 X
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: pappilon on November 30, 2007, 18:23:33 PM
Desley , thinking of you and Tiger. :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 30, 2007, 21:15:48 PM
Thanks everyone, it means a lot - I let her go tonight. The vet said I could have brought her home for the weekend, but I would have only been delaying the inevitable, and she wasn't very happy, I have only heard her purr once this week, and that was when she was given a treat, so I would have been doing it for me, not her, and that isnt fair. The vet gave me some comforting words, even though she did try again to convince me to have a kitten next time!! Told her Molly wouldn't want one of those. She went peacefully, although she did fight the sedation. I am going to put a post in the RB section for her. RIP little one, stubborn to the end.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on November 30, 2007, 21:18:30 PM
Sorry Desley  :hug: RIP Tiger, you couldn't have been more loved xx
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 30, 2007, 21:24:56 PM
Thanks Helen. As the vet says, I did more than some people would have done, and saved her once from being pts. We know it will happen with long term health issues, but it never makes it easier - in fact, it is getting harder to do, the last 3 have all been really hard. In time though, that will be outweighed by the good I did for her.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Christine (Blip) on November 30, 2007, 21:41:45 PM
that will be outweighed by the good I did for her.

Yes.

My thoughts are with you.

xChristine
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 30, 2007, 21:44:41 PM
Thanks C.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Gillian Harvey on November 30, 2007, 22:19:57 PM
So sorry Des, RIP Tiger  :RIP:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 30, 2007, 22:22:34 PM
Thanks Gillian
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Gwen on November 30, 2007, 22:43:53 PM
So sorry to hear about Tiger :'(

RIP little one,go play until your meowmy comes to pick you up :(
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 30, 2007, 22:49:04 PM
thanks Gwen.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: pappilon on November 30, 2007, 22:53:06 PM
I am so sorry Desley, its so hard when the time comes , but you put her first.

RIP Little Tigger. :'( x
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Sam (Fussy_Furball) on November 30, 2007, 22:54:02 PM
So sorry Des  :hug:

RiP Tiger xxxxx
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Schmew on November 30, 2007, 22:58:33 PM
Really sorry to hear this Des  :'(

She was cared for so well in her last months and you've done the kindest but hardest thing of all for her. Thinking of you xxx

Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 30, 2007, 23:01:29 PM
Thanks
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Bazsmum on November 30, 2007, 23:59:07 PM
 :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Maddiesmum on December 01, 2007, 06:06:23 AM
I am so very sorry to hear this sad news.  You did a marvellous job Desley and Tiger knew you loved her to the end.  You put her needs before your own.  You must be feeling devastated.  Take care of yourself.  :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on December 01, 2007, 16:35:04 PM
Desley, am so sorry, sweetheart.  Have been wanting to catch up with you today, but think I knew already.   :hug:

Go have fun, Tiger.  Bless you for living up to your name to the end, little one.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Susanne (urbantigers) on December 01, 2007, 19:47:43 PM
I'm sorry, Desley  :hug:  You've always done the right thing by Tiger and put her first.

RIP Tiger.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: clarenmax on December 01, 2007, 19:53:58 PM
I'm sorry Desley, we all knew you would do the best thing for Tiger, and nobody knew her better than you  :hug:

RIP little one, play hard on the Bridge sweetheart xxx
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Millys Mum on December 01, 2007, 20:04:51 PM
Sad news, but she will be running free and agile at the bridge with Ginger and all the others you have helped have a lovely last home   :hug:  :hug:
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on December 01, 2007, 21:43:55 PM
Thanks for the lovely comments, house has felt odd today, I have no cats that eat downstairs anymore, so wondered why I was going down this morning!! And no cats that want to go outside either. I had to put her feelings before mine, I think if you aren't prepared to do that, you shouldn't have pets, as if you can't, they will suffer, and I have seen that happen with other people's pets, and know jsut how lucky mine are that I Can do that. Have thrown myself into rescue work today, supposedly fundraised, but really just gave them some money, and had a drink and a chat!! I do have a happy post on Mon, and thinkign about that makes me realise why I do what I do, regardless of the heartache at times - that is always overpowered by the knowledge that I gave them a home that others wouldnt, at the time of their life when they deserve it, and I just wish I could help more, but think I am nearly in double figures with oldies.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Susanne (urbantigers) on December 01, 2007, 22:14:04 PM
I had to put her feelings before mine, I think if you aren't prepared to do that, you shouldn't have pets, as if you can't, they will suffer,

I couldn't agree more.  I think it was you, Desley, who said (think it was on here) that it's better for them to go a week too early than a day too late - or words to that effect - and I agree 100%.  Although it's not always easy.
Title: Re: Worried about Tiger again
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on December 01, 2007, 22:17:39 PM
I do say that, althoguh I think a few others do as well. IT is never easy, but sadly, a necessary part of responsible pet ownership, and the final act of love and kindness we can do for them. I just wish it was an option in humans - maybe that is why I accept it in animals.